March Ladies take bragging rights over Chatteris

March Town Ladies completed a cup double over Chatteris Town with a 3-1 win in the League Cup.

Against opponents two leagues lower, the Hares made a great start after only two minutes when a sweeping move led to Eleanor McLeish passing to Abby Grist who smashed it home from close range.

McLeish then hit the post with a decent shot. Chatteris had to switch formation to a 4-5–1 as March were dominating the middle of the park.

The switch worked and Lilies started to play some great progressive football.

In the second half, Grist had a shot which the keeper knocked on to the post and it fell to Naomi McGarvie who hit it in from close range.

Further chances fell to Megan Ratcliffe, who was unlucky with a fine chip, and Deva Rawlings went close with a free kick.

Chatteris started to get on the front foot and were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box which was calmly slotted home by Emma Searle against her former club.

It was another ex-Hare who scored again – unfortunately, Kara Lumley put the ball into her own net following a corner from Hares’ Player of the Match Lexi Waters.

The Lilies then hit the crossbar late on, forcing a great save from Hares keeper Peggy Thurlby.

Hares manager Gary Davis said: “We had six players leave us in the summer and join the newly formed Lilies and it was good to see them enjoying their football.

“It was always going to be a feisty game with the rivalry and there were a lot of tough challenges.

“But the team were chuffed to get another win over some of their ex-team mates.”

The Lilies’ management were very pleased with the performance of their team, who were a good match for their rivals as they continue their development in their first season together.

Next week sees a return to league action for the Lilies with a tough match at home to Deeping Ladies, with a 2pm kick-off at West Street.