Chichester Ladies’ away-form took another hit after they were outclassed in a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace Ladies in Sunday’s FAWPL Southern Division clash.
City have gained just one point from their last three away trips, but will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Cardiff City LFC on Sunday.
Chi were without goal-machine Charley Wilson-Blakely, sidelined with an ankle injury, so that meant Cherelle Khassal was the lone striker in this match.
After a lack of chances in the first 15 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken by Palace when Gemma Bryan scored from the edge of the box.
Chi kept going close but were unable to find the net and a quick break saw the hosts through on goal to extend their lead.
City shot-stopper, Sadie Wilson-Blakely, seemingly sealed their fate when she brought down Bryan inside the area. The subsequent spot-kick was calmly put away by the striker.
Khassal secured a consolation goal for the visitors with less than 10 minutes to go when she turned in a well-delivered cross from Lauren Cheshire.
Any hopes of a comeback were soon diminished when Wilson-Blakely once again fouled Bryan in the box, who then went on to complete her hat-trick with a coolly-taken finish.
With thanks to Alan Price
Meanwhile, the development squad thrashed Margate Ladies 4-9. Goals came from Sophie Phelps (3), Lucy Cook (2), Annie Dunn (2), Gaby Hobday and Terri Foster.
