Words Ben Edwards | Pictures Maisy Green

Altrincham FC Women fell to defeat in their final away trip of the season, losing out 3-1 against Chester FC Women at the Deva Stadium in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South.

The home side looked in complete control throughout the first half with Alty pinned back in their own half. Whilst Chester failed to test Olivia Kaleta in the opening exchanges, it was Katie Locke who was kept busy, pulling off two goal-line clearances.

An inswinging corner from the right saw the Seals take a deserved lead after 33 minutes, with Ciara Lee heading home at the back post.

Chester won a dubious penalty just before the interval when Locke appeared to win the ball fairly, though referee Andrew Willett pointed to the spot. Kaleta got a huge hand to Lola Smith’s spot kick, but the power was too much as the hosts entered the break with a two-goal advantage.

The Robins started the second half much brighter but failed to trouble former Alty shot-stopper Caitlin Beaty. After coming through the initial Altrincham pressure unscathed, Chester added a third through an Emma Clausen 35-yard screamer.

Conceding didn’t knock back the Robins, who fought to get back in the game and pulled a goal back in the 74th minute. Francesca Boyle continued her goalscoring form, pouncing onto a long ball forward and showing great composure one-on-one.

With 15 minutes remaining, Alty continued to create chances going forward but were unable to find the required two goals to gain anything from the game, coming closest through Georgia McKnight’s dinked effort over the goalkeeper but over the crossbar.

It ended in disappointment at the Deva but delight back at Partington as the Elite U18s picked up a big 9-0 victory over Northwich Victoria U18. Megan Hunt netted a hattrick and Elise Fawkes scored her first two goals since joining from Airbus FC. Lottie Whitehead dispatched a penalty and Hannah Worrell a free kick, with defenders Isabella Molloy and Frankie Fraser-Jones also amongst the goals.