Super Cherelle hits hat-trick for Chichester City

Cherelle Khassal scored three goals for Chichester City to crown her 50th appearance in style. Picture: John Holden

A fantastic display of finishing from Cherelle Khassal helped Chichester City beat C&K Basildon 4-2.

The forward netted a hat-trick after coming off the bench as she marked her 50th appearance for the Green Army in style at Oaklands Park, writes Hayley Newman.

AllÂ three of her goals came in a devastating 17-minute spell for the FA Women's National League southern premier division leaders.

Hollie Turner gave Basildon the advantage in the first half.

But in the second half Khassal stepped off the bench and linked up well with Jess Lewry, netting three times, while an own goal sealed the win for Chi.Â

Courtney Clark got a late second for Basildon.

There were four changes to the team who beat Gillingham,Â with Molly Clark and Rebecca Barron out of the country for the Beach Soccer Stars Gala.

Nadine Bazan, Lauren Clark, Laura Ingram and Lewry started while manager Aaron Smith gave himself a strong bench to call on as well.

It was a slow start for the hosts who nearly went a goal down in the fourth minute.

But they were saved by the quick heroics of Bazan who smashed the ball clear on the line.

Gemma Simmonds delivered a great ball into the box that found Lewry who took a shot on the turn but couldn't convert.

Basildon took the lead when Turner managed to control a long ball and beat Chichester keeperÂ Lauren Dolbear.

Khassal came on at half-time along with Lauren Cheshire and the momentum changed two minutes into the second period.

Lewry fed Khassal who calmly tucked the ball under the keeper.

Hollie Wride's dangerous ball into the box set up the second goal whenÂ Alex Bailess put the ball into her own net.

Then just after the hour mark Khassal ended a crazy 17 minutes from the restart by netting her third and claiming the match ball for her hat-trick.

A stunning, looping shot from 25-yards out beat the keeper and put the game out of sight for Basildon, Lewry picking up her third assist of the afternoon.

On Sunday the Green Army play former Super League side Watford at Kings Langley FC.

Meanwhile, Chichester have been drawn away to Crawley Wasps in the second round of the Women's FA Cup. The tie will be played on Sunday, December 2.