Chorley FC Women 2

Chester-le-Street Ladies 3

CHORLEY slipped to back-to-back defeats in the FA Women’s National League Division One North after losing 3-2 to fellow high-flyers Chester-le-Street despite twice taking the lead.

Having seen their unbeaten start to the season go at Barnsley last week, the Magpies took the lead in the 17th minute when Katy Morris blasted home from outside the area to make it two goals in two games for Chorley.

Chorley continued to press and almost doubled their advantage but Scarlett Smith couldn’t quite get the shot away after great play from Grace Vella.

Chorley led at the break but Chester levelled 30 seconds in to the second half when Nichole Havery scored at the second attempt after Rahel Darbyshire saved her initial effort.

Despite the setback, Chorley soon regrouped and regained their lead when Megan Searson scored from the spot after Emily Stocks was fouled in the area.

The Magpies were now on top but, against the run of play, Chester levelled again when Havery rose to plant her header beyond Darbyshire.

Vella hit a post and Stocks curled an effort just wide as Chorley looked to take the lead again but, with 15 minutes remaining, Chester went ahead when Lizzy Clarke beat the offside trap to score.

In the dying seconds, Rachel Wood saw her effort cannon back off the crossbar and Chorley were left to rue missed chances.

n Chorley Women: Rachel Darbyshire, Lisa Topping (Emily Stocks 60 mins), Megan Searson, Kerry Nickson, Janet Mitchell, Rachel Wood, Katy Morris, Laura Walker, Grace Vella, Rebecca Kemp (Zara Musker 78 mins), Scarlett Smith

Unused: Saskia Bowes, Izzy Atkinson