Rutherford Ladies v Chester Le Street Town Development Ladies

Today we played Chester Le Street Town Development Ladies at home on a lovely sunny day making a huge difference to the weather we have sustained so far this season.

The match started with Chester Le Street seeming to be on top of the play. They had some very fast players going forward which meant we had to really work hard in defence to keep them out. Keeper Charlie and our back four worked brilliantly together seeing an array of great saves and blocked shots to keep us at a draw. Full back Ellen particularly stood out in the back four seeing her keep Chester Le Street very past and talented number 9 at bay. It was a great battle to watch between the two talented players. Both teams created chances at goal but neither converted so we entered the half time break 0-0.

The second half saw a change of formation for both sides seeing our change more successful. Less than 5 minutes into the second half we scored our first goal of the game. It was talented striker Mel who received the ball beating two Chester defenders for pace. She then ran the ball around the keeper as she was closed and ran the ball over the line into the empty goal.

The team worked hard to find the second goal, now very much on top of the play. This came on the 70th minute of play where new signing Sophie won the ball from the Chester goal kick. She ran the ball to the line and crossed it in low into the box where striker Steph S first time flick saw the ball go into the bottom left hand corner.

8 minutes later on the 78th minute of play midfielder Steph W played a great through ball to striker Mel. Mel caught beat the keeper placing the ball perfectly into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Chester looked very deflated at this point in the game which allowed us to be a lot more on top of the game. In the 81st minute of play we scored our final goal of the game. This time it was a header through ball from midfielder Ellie which saw Mel beat the offside, she took a touch and spotted the keeper off her line. She struck the ball from about 18 yards out and beats the keeper to give her a well earned hattrick.

Well deserved player of the match performance was given to striker Mel today. She worked her socks off for the entire game & scored 3 superb goals which won us the game. Well done Mel.

Not the best first half performance as a team, but after a change around at half time and some words of encouragement the team turned it around for the second half and came out with the well deserved 3 points. Well done girls.