Chester FC vs Atherton Laburnum Rovers- A Matchday in Photos

Chester FC Women hosted Atherton Laburnum Rovers at home in the Deva Stadium in what will be an enthralling cup tie. Chester Women were seeking a 9th consecutive win in all competitions. The Deva stadium is a 30-minute walk from the city centre.

Chester FC Women are on an impressive 8-match league winning run, but must now turn their attention to the cup. I travelled to Chester so I could experience a matchday in the Cup and capture the best moments to show the fans.

Firstly, I travelled from the city centre on foot from the Chester train station, which takes around 35 minutes, although an Uber journey would only take 10-15 minutes.

*On arrival,* I went through the only entrance into the stadium for supporters. This turnstile costs £5 for visitors. The process is simple and easy, *and allows access to the stadium. The Deva stadium allows for around 5,000 spectators.*

The Deva stadium is shared by the men’s and women’s teams; the men’s team predominantly plays on Saturdays, while the women’s team plays on Sundays. This stadium is a fantastic venue for any player to perform in.

The Match

*The two teams were* warming up to prepare for what was going to be a great game, with one team *coming out as victors, progressing into the next round of the cup. The focus and intensity of these warmups showed how important this occasion was for both teams.*

The match was poised to be a close encounter, with Atherton carrying a good reputation from their own respective league. Chester manager Kalvin Williams echoed these thoughts pre-match.

“If we can get through this game today, we will set ourselves up nicely. It’s just making sure that we execute the game plan.”

“This team will be totally different from any team we have played so far; they are going to be good at what they do. We have to make sure we do what we do best and execute our game plan today.”

***The two teams walk out to a loud audience, with both sets of supporters travelling in good numbers to support their side. The two teams showed their mutual respect before going into battle.***

The game started with a great pace and intensity, with both teams sticking to their tasks well. Chester dominated early possession, controlling the tempo and creating the better of the chances.

Against the run of play, Atherton broke the deadlock with a fine counter-attack, which punished the home side. A fine lobbed finish from range by the Atherton number 9 put the away side ahead in the tie.

Chester responded well, creating several guilt-edge chances, but could not find the back of the net. Chester dominated the remainder of the half with the crowd and managers looking in disbelief as their side failed to equalise.

Despite going into the half-time interval behind, Chester had shown plenty of promise and played exceptionally well. Still plenty of hope for the home team.

Half-time at the Deva stadium with Chester trailing and staring at their first loss in 8 games. The players left the pitch with the substitutes warming up with the hope of coming on and impacting the game.

The second half began identically to the first half. Chester were pinning Atherton back with sustained attacks and exceptional ball retention. Chance after chance went begging for the home side as the clock kept ticking.

As the game continued in this vein, the stakes were raised, and the tensions increased alongside it. Frustration towards the officials fueled an atmosphere of discontent on the pitch, which spread to the dugouts.

Chester did not let this frustration knock them off course and continued to hunt for their equalising goal. Manager Kalvin Williams continued to show support and passion from the sidelines, giving his team that extra boost.

***Manager Williams is issuing instructions to his team to try and force their way back into this cup tie and keep the standards high from the dugout.***

Chester’s relentless pressure finally paid off when Lola Smith equalised from a Chester corner at the death. The number 9’s pinpoint header sent this cup tie beyond the 90-minutes and into extra time, sparking fantastic celebrations all round. Keeping Chester’s quest for cup glory alive.

***Chester continues to pile the pressure on the away team in the hope of scoring a winning goal.***

In the closing stages of the game, with penalties looming, Chester’s in-form Sophia O’Neil was fouled in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the penalty spot. With every eye in the crowd on her, she showed great composure to slot the ball past the Atherton keeper, who had made a string of fine saves throughout.

This goal sent Chester through to the next round deservedly after a dominant display, extending their winning run to 9 games in a row. This form gives Chester every chance to have a special end to this season.

***These flags in the main stand display a clear symbol of support and belief that the supporters have for their team. Local support for these clubs can be crucial to the success of the team.***

“Every ball a Chester ball”. This flag shows a clear mindset instilled into the Chester Football Club that displays passion and intensity, with the crowd wanting Chester to fight for the ball in every moment.

This match was very enjoyable for everyone involved at the football club, with the team executing the game plan mentioned by Kalvin Williams earlier on, who was immensely proud of his team’s performance. The fightback shown by Chester will put them in good standing for the rest of the season if they can sustain these levels.

Chester are back in action on Sunday, the 15th of February, against Liverpool Feds Reserves in what will be a fascinating encounter at the Deva Stadium. As Chester look to continue their pursuit of the title and extend their winning run to double figures.

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