MATCH PREVIEW: ALTRINCHAM v CFCW

Chester FC Women return to league action this weekend following their FA Cup heroics, as they visit Altrincham FC Women at Mersey Valley Sports Club.

The Blues returned to winning ways on Sunday following a dramatic 4-3 win on penalties against Nantwich Town following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The win saw Chester advance through to the Second Qualifying Round of The Vitality Women’s FA Cup and set up a tie against local rivals Warrington Wolves.

The Seals suffered late heartbreak last time out in the league, losing 4-3 late on to Wythenshawe.

Chester’s Emma Gray comes into this weekend’s game in fine form, the forward has scored three goals in her last three games and she’ll be hoping her goals can drive the Blues up the table with them currently placed 7th in the league.

Sunday’s hosts Altrincham have endured a mixed start to their league campaign, picking up four points from their opening four games this season. Their solitary win came away from home against Northwich Vixens.

The Manchester outfit come into Sunday’s game on the back of a 2-0 loss at Warrington Wolves, Altrincham will be looking to record their first home win of the season when the two sides meet.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 2pm at Mersey Valley Sports Club, Manchester, M33 5SL.

Entry is free for all supporters.

STAT ATTACK

● Chester did the double over Altrincham last season with two wins and 11 goals in the process. (Chester 4-0 Altrincham & Altrincham 0-7 Chester)

● Blues forward Molly Wood grabbed a second hat-trick in the 7-0 win, a second half that saw Chester score six times.

MANAGER'S THOUGHTS

“Last weekend, we got the job done. Not at our best by any means, but we went there and the result in knockout football is the most important thing. Credit to Nantwich, they set up well to frustrate us and make sure the game stayed how they wanted it.

“But we showed a different side to our game and matched their physicality. We felt fairly in control of the game without threatening anywhere near as much as we would have liked, or perhaps should, and a complete lapse in concentration led to them equalising.

“That said, we did very well to go to an environment like that and keep our cool for penalties. That away from home is never easy!

“This weekend is back in league action. We know we have to take the steps to be better this week, that’s what this week in training has been all about. Every time we step over the white line, we focus on being one percent better as an individual and then the impact on the team will be greater.

“That said, Altrincham will pose a completely new challenge. We’ve not played them yet this season, and every team is almost unrecognisable from last year. I’m looking forward to seeing how this one unfolds.”

Preview by Jordan McNicholas.

Photo courtesy of Luke Reynolds Photography.