Lincoln United Women clinched the three points that sealed their league title victory, beating Chesterfield Ladies 6-0.
Goals from Lauren Churcher, Ellie Gilliatt, Rebecca Ward and Kaitlin Peaker secured the victory and the East Midlands Womens Regional Premier Division title for The Whites.
Lincoln went into the game unbeaten in the league, having recently won the County Cup final. United took on a Chesterfield side that sat second in the league, having lost only two games all season before their trip to Lincolnshire.
First-half:
It took just three minutes for Lincoln United to produce the first chance of the game. A lovely ball played over the top by Lauren Churcher found Ellie Gilliatt, who blasted the ball over the top.
Chesterfield instantly responded with a very good chance that led to a corner, resulting in a good save to keep the game level.
It was a very chaotic start, with plenty of opportunities for both teams. Lincoln were nearly able to convert from a great cross from the right-hand side, which required a good save from the Chesterfield number one.
Two chances came in quick succession for the Whites, who should have been leading after a flurry of chances. Gilliatt had a great opportunity around 11 minutes in, after some amazing footwork got her out of a tight spot on the left-hand side of the box. She was able to get a shot away, but Nicolle Stokes was equal to it.
A couple of minutes later, Gillatt forced a free-kick in a very good position on the edge of the box. It was hit very nicely, with another great save denying an opener.
The first goal came 17 minutes in, a quick counter-attack saw Churcher play a lovely weighted through ball to Gilliatt, who gave herself plenty of time before slotting it past the Chesterfield ‘keeper.
Three minutes later Lincoln doubled their lead. A corner taken by Olivia Smith was met by Becky Ward, whose header was deflected into the back of the net.
Most of the opportunities were going Lincoln’s way, while Chesterfield struggled to create much after the two opportunities they mustered at the start of the game.
Gilliatt, as usual, caused all sorts of problems down the left-hand side for the Chesterfield defence, who were unable to deal with the pace and skill of the tricky winger.
In the 43rd minute, The Whites were able to score another to make it 3-0. Becky Ward added her second of the game as she converted from a cross after some nice interplay down the right.
Lincoln then scored another on the stroke of half-time. Gilliatt forced a good save from Stokes, who could only parried it right into the path of Churcher.
Second-half:
Five minutes into the second-half, Chesterfield had a good opportunity as their number 11 was able to create space. However, her shot landed just wide of the post.
After Stokes made another amazing save, Gilliatt hit a volley from close range. An acrobatic stop prohibited her for adding to the Whites’ lead.
Lincoln had the majority of the chances in the opening ten minutes after the break, and did not stop pressing the Chesterfield defence.
The hosts were controlling possession and winning the ball high up the pitch to retain a dominance across the afternoon.
In the 71st minute, Gilliatt notched her second of the game. Churcher’s cross allowed the top goal-scorer to pounce and tap the ball into an empty net to make it 5-0 to the Whites.
Just before the full-time whistle. Lincoln were able to get their sixth of the day. Peaker was played through on goal and scored with a tidy finish past the Chesterfield number one.
Lincoln United 6-0 Chesterfield Ladies FC:
Lincoln United got themselves over the line with another very good performance. Chesterfield were unable to create many opportunities apart from the opening ten minutes, while ‘keeper Stokes had a good game despite conceding six.
The Whites’ were crowned champions with games to spare, as they continued their so-far invincible league season.