MATCH REPORT: CHESTERFIELD LADIES 1-6 LINCOLN UNITED

‘The Whites’ collected another three points to continue their 100% winning record in the league this season, as they moved within 8 points of becoming champions. Arriving at Staveley Miners Welfare, United were hopeful of extending their lead over opponents and second-placed Chesterfield Ladies.

The action began almost immediately as Paige Crossman opened the scoring as she marauded forwards from defence. Ellie Gilliatt’s cross looked to be claimed in the hands of the keeper, but she lost control of the ball, giving Crossman the chance to capitalise and tap into the net.

Nine minutes later it became a two-goal lead, and it came from another defender - this time Annie Ward. Liv Smith’s corner swung into the box and found Ward, who volleyed the ball into the bottom corner past the mass of players.

The away side remained dominant throughout the first half as the hosts sought a way back into the game.

Only eight minutes into the second half, Lauren Churcher added to the scoring. After being played through on goal by Gilliatt, she rounded the keeper to tap into an empty net.

A controversial moment came in the 63rd minute when Alice Hayes seemed to be through on goal having been assisted by Churcher. However, the linesman raised his flag, even though it appeared to many that Hayes was a few yards onside.

The hosts grabbed a goal with twenty minutes remaining as Amy Hood was unable to keep out a low effort from a cross.

Only minutes later, Gilliatt won herself a penalty after being pulled back by the defender (who somehow escaped a booking, at the least) as she was closing down on goal. Gilliatt fired the ball into the top corner from the penalty spot to add her name to the scoresheet.

With five minutes left, she was brought down in the penalty area for a second time and once again successfully converted from twelve yards out.

In the final minute of the game, she completed her hat trick as she raced in on goal before taking the ball around the keeper to finish into the gaping net.

The 6-1 scoreline represented the dominance that ‘The Whites’ displayed throughout as they widened their gap at the top of the league to 14 points.

They will be wishing to show the same decisiveness on Wednesday night as they travel to Boston United to face Stamford in the final of the Lincolnshire County Cup.

Written by: James Ede

Photo Credit: Michael South Photography