National Division, Shawbridge
Rovers 1-2 Chelsea

ROVERS Ladies slipped to their second defeat in as many games after a battling performance against big-spending Chelsea.

After sharing the goals in Chelsea's 5-0 win over Liverpool on the opening weekend, strike partners Eni Aluko and Lianne Sanderson caused the damage yet again.

Aluko opened the scoring in the 27th minute when her shot deflected off Natalie Brewer and deceived Danielle Hill in the Rovers goal.

But just three minutes after the break and the Adam Lakeland's side were back on level terms. From a quick counter-attack, Katie Anderton picked out Karen Burke, who was one of three Rovers players waiting to slot the ball home.

But 10 minutes later, Sanderson secured the win with her fourth of the season after turning past her marker and racing through on goal.

After the game, Lakeland said: "I'm disappointed with the result, because I felt that we deserved to get something out of the game, but I'm delighted with the performance.

"The players played very well. I left that we were poor against Arsenal last week, so I wanted a better team performance and that is exactly what I got."

ROVERS: Hill, Carroll, Twohig, Brewer, Byrne, Burke, Shepherd, Preston, Parry (McDougall 75), Anderton, McCoy (Penny 60).
Subs not used: Parker, Norris, Campbell.