Late brace sees off Chester challenge

MACCLESFIELD Ladies 1st XI travelled to Chester and clinched a win with two late goals.

Chester had lots of pace up front and broke through the defence first, a great save from Alycia Sutton, tipping the ball onto the crossbar and an off the line clearance from Debs O’Connor preventing them from taking the lead.

Macclesfield seemed to dominate possession and might have taken the lead early on if not for some great goalkeeping.

The game was contested at a great pace and was end to end, stretching the pitch and needing some key interceptions from the defence.

This gave the forwards space to attack and Liv Richardson used the left channel well to push forward.

Macclesfield continued to press and finally broke through late in the game with a well worked goal from the forwards, finished off by Emma Houghton.

Chester pushed hard for an equaliser, but as a result of throwing extra players forward they allowed Macclesfield’s Laura Collins the opportunity to break through into the D and win a short corner, which was hit towards goal by Claire Barlow, anddeflected into the bottom corner by Sarah Duffy.

This game showed the importance of keeping going and pressing until the final whistle, with two goals inside the last ten minutes giving Macclesfield victory.

Player of the Match was Sarah Wheeler, who made lots of great runs from midfield and brought pace to the Macclesfield attack.

Players’ player was Angela Duffy, who was solid in centre midfield, helping the attacking play but providing lots of support to the defence.