Whitchurch close the gap with on leaders with win over Longlevens Ladies
Aimee Clark and Ilarna Nche scored two each as Whitchurch Ladies ran out 7-2 winners over Longlevens Ladies, closing the gap to the top of the table to just two points.
After clinching the three points in the early kick-off, Whitchurch are just two points behind GCWFL Division One leaders Bristol Brunel WFC after they were held to a 3-3 draw at Mangotsfield United Women.
Two goals in the first four minutes saw Whitchurch race to a 2-0 lead, before Tianna Chant scored her first of two to reduce the deficit.
Faith Constable completed a hattrick of long range efforts to restore the hosts’ two goal lead, before Nche scored her first of the afternoon just before half time.
Clark added her second 28 seconds into the second half, before Hannah Gillet’s penalty and Nche’s second added gloss to the scoreline.
Chant would go on to score the final goal of the game, volleying home from the edge of the area with two minutes left on the clock.
Whitchurch have now scored 53 league goals in just 10 matches – nearly double their title rivals who themselves have 28.
The game was barely 90 seconds old when Clark notched her 19th goal of the season, sending a free kick from range over Chloe Davis after flying through the wind.
Whitchurch doubled their lead in the fourth minute when Holly Longman curled one into the bottom corner from nearly 25 yards.
Longlevens were stunned by the early onslaught, but after coming to grips with conditions, the game was a lot more competitive.
Lauren Mills’ through ball was latched onto by Chant, who shrugged off a defender, before slotting past Sophia Isaac.
But just three minutes later, Whitchurch extended their lead. Faith Constable turned before curling home from nearly 25 yards – a goal that took the stuffing out of the visitors.
Constable nearly added her second after some great work by Clark, but she fired over from close range as Ashleigh Lloyd slid in to put her off.
Clark turned provider for Ilarna Nche just before half time, playing a delightful through ball for Nche to latch onto and slot past Davis.
Davis then kept out Clark with a great save before the break, with Clark also crashing another free kick off the crossbar with just moments left of the half.
Clark wouldn’t be denied her second though, firing home from close range seconds after the restart.
Nche was tripped in the box just five minutes later, with Hannah Gillet stepping up to make it 6-1 from the spot.
Clark turned provider for another Nche goal with just over 15 minutes left, with a carbon copy of her first.
But Longlevens were unlucky to lose by five clear goals and Chant would get her and her side’s second when she volleyed home from 18 yards.
Both sides are back in action after the Christmas period, with both sides at home in the Gordon Perrett League Cup. Longlevens play host to Bristol & West, whilst Whitchurch host City of Gloucester Women.
Whitchurch Ladies: Isaac, Dadds, Cleverley, Taylor, Wilson, Stevenson-Smith, Gillet, Longman, Constable, Nche, Clark,
Subs: O’Loughlin, Derbyshire, Gammon
Longlevens Ladies: Davis, Valenzuela, L Smith, Martin, Lloyd, Chant, Spragg, Lumber, J Smith, Mills, Kosylowicz
Subs: Phelps, Baker
C Martin Roofing Player of the Match – Ilarna Nche (Whitchurch Ladies)
