Twenty seconds into the game Chorley were ahead after Stanfield appeared to be pulled before having the ball taken off her and Chorley striking a sweet shot into the top corner of the net 1-0.

The Terriers grew into the game but were frustrated on numerous occasions by the assistant referee who seemed flag happy, giving eight offsides against Town in the first half alone.

An early change was needed when Ria Montgomery was replaced by Charlotte Stuart following a clash of heads.

When Town did manage to get close to the Chorley goal, they either played poor final balls or took the wrong options.

Both Leah Embley and Ella Duffield had first half efforts saved by the Chorley keeper. The score going into half time was 1-0.

Town were brighter in the second half but started to become frustrated with the match officials.

On the hour mark Embley thought that she’d scored but she was ruled offside. Embley then hit the Chorley crossbar with what looked like and cross and second half substitute Molly Firth had a shot bounce back off the post.

Late drama and anger ensued when Firth was barged off the pitch and into the metal barrier beyond the goal, gashing her head in two places and breaking a finger. The referee said that it was a natural coming together but you don’t hit the barrier at that pace naturally! It should have been at minimum a penalty and probably a red card for endangering an opponent. The referee like most of the game was unmoved but did manage to sin bin Caz Simone for her protests.

A poor Town performance and also not one that the officials should be proud of.

We return to the Stafflex Arena next Sunday to face York City in the FAWNL cup!

Substitutions: