Linnets Ladies continue pursuit of top three with Chester victory

Mollie Bennett nets from long range (top), after Emily Hardman had opened the scoring (below left). Jess Bazley (below right) added the third. Main match pictures by Neil Thornton.

After twice losing to Chester Women this season in Cup competitions, Runcorn Linnets Ladies were successful at the third attempt.

They ran out 3-1 winners in the first of this month's two league meetings in North West Women's Regional Division One South.

In front of a three-figure crowd, Linnets had taken a three-goal lead into half-time.

Emily Hardman opened the scoring before Mollie Bennett foumd the top corner with a curling effort.

Jess Bazley slotted home the third from a fine through ball by Chelsea Gillies.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the second minute of stoppage time.

Linnets' 10th league win in 13 attempts leaves them in fourth place with games in hand on all the top three, although leaders Poulton Vics Ladies and second-placed FC St Helens Women have lost only one and two games, respectively.

Next up for the Runcorn women is a D1S home gane against third-placed Mossley Hill Women next Sunday (March 9th), ko 2pm.

Runcorn Linnets U21s men were not in action this weekend.