MATCH REPORT: Chester FC Women 3 - 3 Tranmere Rovers Women (TRFC win 4-3 on pens)

Chester FC Women were beaten on penalties in the First Round of the Argyle Sports Plate against Tranmere Rovers at Helsby.

Martin Fitzsimons’ side proved to be a match for their higher league opposition, putting in a strong performance to battle back from 3-1 down to take the game to a shootout – but were eventualy narrowly defeated.

Tranmere, who play two leagues above in the Premier Division, got off to the perfect start by going two goals ahead inside the opening five minutes.

The Seals though refused to buckle and stayed in the game, halving the deficit on the half hour mark when Charlotte Locke smashed home a stunning free kick from 40 yards.

Nevertheless, the visitors converted a set piece of their own just three minutes later to restore their commanding lead going into the half time break.

But yet again, Chester didn’t lie down and a superb second half fightback took the game all the way to a penalty shootout. Molly Wood kept up her incredible scoring form with a goal on 65 minutes and then Emma Gray, who has also proved reliable in front of goal during an excellent run of six successive wins, had a goal of her own to level the game up on 72.

The game went the distance and the Blues were in control of the shootout early on when Sophie Foster saved while Lucy Adderley and Charlotte Dowell converted to make it 2-1 after two apiece.

Despite this, misses from Lloyd and Gray kept the door open and Rovers took full advantage, converting their final three spot kicks to progress. However, an effort to be extremely proud of by the underdogs in blue and white.

CHESTER: Foster, Adderley (Redman 69), Sands, Priest, Dowell, Bullock (Hollis 69), Lloyd (Paul 46), Locke (Quigg 77), Bradley, Wood, Gray (Wright 77).

SCORERS: Locke 29, Wood 65, Gray 72.

Photo - Courtesy of Luke Reynolds Photography.