Chichester City edged out by Coventry in battle of unbeaten sides

Hollie Wride, left, and Molly Clark plan a free-kick against Coventry United. Picture: Sheena Brooker

Cherelle Khassal scored her first goal of the season but it wasn't enough for Chichester City Ladies as they lost out 2-1 to Coventry United in the FA Women's National League southern premier division.Â

The Green Army were knocked off top spot by a double strike from Jade Brooks as Coventry won the battle of the unbeaten sides.Â

Report by Hayley Newman It was a physical battle with the two sides cancelling each other out for long spells at Oaklands Park.

Boss Aaron Smith called up Helen Ogle and Jade Widdows to his side.

There were two quick goals in the first half.

Brook scored on eight minutes when she touched home a free-kick.

Chichester were back level very quickly.

Widdows charged forward and set up Khassal for a lovely back-flick goal.

The Green Army were lifted and managed to get on the front foot looking for the lead.

Widdows and Tiff Taylor had chances and theyÂ both went close with headers but couldn't quite find the net.

Coventry began to get on top of the game in the second half.

Eventually their pressure told asÂ Brook raced through on goal and lobbed the ball home for her second of the afternoon.

But Chichester still battled on.

Tash Stephens saw her shot fly just the wrong side of the post.

It wasn't to be unfortunately for the home side who suffered their first defeat of the season.

Now Chichester are third in the table with 12 points from five matches.

Up next for Chichester is another home match against Cardiff City on Sunday.

Chichester City: Lauren Dolbear, Lauren Cheshire, Lucie Challen (Helen Ogle 59), Tammy Waine, Tiffany Taylor, Hollie Wride, Rebecca Barron, Molly Clark (Gemma Simmonds 72), Tash Stephens, Chloe Melton, Sara Tubby (Cherelle Khassal 57). Unused subs: Laura Ingram, Jade Widdows.