Newcomers deny Chippenham ladies their first win

6:00pm Wednesday 15th October 2008

Chippenham Ladies 1, Tavistock Ladies 1

MISSED chances proved costly as Chippenham were denied a first win of the season by newly promoted Tavistock.

Playing with a new formation – five in the midfield and two attacking wingers – Chippenham started well, forcing Tavistock back into their own half. The new formation appeared to be working well with Tavistock unable to penetrate the midfield and having to deal with constant Chippenham attacks from the wings, Fiona Wanliss particularly causing problems.

Strong tackling from both teams saw both umpires warn all players and this changed the tone of the match as players, fearing the whistle and the card, began to draw back from tackles.

After half-time, Chippenham came out even more determined and broke the deadlock when Sabina Falcone drove the ball into the D and fired it across to find Laura Carey free on the back post and she calmly slotted the ball home to finally break the deadlock.

This only served to raise Tavistock’s game and they made several attacks on the Chippenham defence, with Sue Hopkins making some excellent tackles to stop the attacks. But from one such attack, Tavistock was awarded a penalty corner which was fired past the Chippenham defence for the equaliser.

Chippenham spent the remaining minutes of the half, pressurising the Tavistock goal, trying to snatch the winner but to no avail. They were disappointed at the final whistle and were left to rue the missed chances.

Chippenham Ladies 2nds 5, Swindon Ladies 2nds 0

A NEW starting line-up for Chippenham saw them attack from the push-back and captain Julie Lodge gave them an early lead.

to take on the Swindon goalkeeper and open the scoring. There then followed some fine end to end play from both teams with the Chippenham defence working Thomas set up Roberts for Chippenham’s second goal and Sarah Humphries made several penetrating runs at the Swindon goal but just could not find the back of the net.

Chippenham defenders Laura Doubleday, Marie Frankcom and Katie Roberts remained solid at the back before a quick ball from Lodge to Roberts caught Swindon asleep and Roberts' shot hit the top left hand corner.

The second half saw Chippenham carry on where they left off at the end of the first. Cath Walker's cross from the right was swept in by Lodge for her second goal and Walker set up Doubleday for her debut goal for the club.

Team Bath Ladies 5ths 2, Chippenham Ladies 3rds 0

CHIPPENHAM were the stronger team in the first half and gained numerous short corners, but chances went begging.

It was the same story in the second half , but further short corners again going begging.

As the clock ticked down, Bath broke away and opened the scoring and scored their second from a rebound from the Chippenham goalkeeper’s pads.

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