The Bees earned a point at The Hive London as neither teams were able to find a winner in the fourth game week of the FA Women’s National League South.
Hannah Coote was heavily involved in the opening stages of the game, sending in two crosses in the 9th and 11th minutes, which both went close to opening the scoring.
The first was pounced on by the opposition ‘keeper Isobelle Foster before Chiara Lape headed the second one just wide of the post.
The chances kept flowing through with a shot from distance after 12 minutes by Danielle Puddefoot that was saved by Foster.
Puddefoot continued creating chances, sending in a cross from a free-kick in the 17th minute which was found by Jess Burke but headed straight at the ‘keeper.
Chichester had their own share of chances too, through Natasha Wild and Megan Fox both having shots that were saved comfortably by Hazelton.
Nikki Jancey, having scored three goals in two games so far, had chances in the 31st and 34th minute, but both was denied on both occasions. A cross into the box from Coote was palmed by the ‘keeper and nearly rolled into the net, however Foster recovered well to prevent Jancey from breaking the deadlock.
The visitors took the lead in the 41st minute following a succession of corners. The first one came swinging into the danger area, only for the Bees to clear it away.
Moments later, the ball was whipped back into the box to Megan Fox, who pounced on the ball and converted from close-range at the near-post.
The second-half began competitively as Sian Osmond’s side looked to find a way back into the match.
The Bees’ ‘keeper Faye Hazelton was called into action in the 58th and 67th minute where she denied two fierce strikes from the Chichester attackers.
The Bees levelled the scoring in the 69th minute as Lauren Heria picked up the ball on the edge of the box before catching the goalie off guard as she struck a wonderous effort that flew over the outstretched arms of Foster and into the top-right corner.
The game finished with a flurry of chances and corners to the visitors as the Bees defended resolutely. Four corners in the last five minutes saw the hosts resilience tested but thanks to a skilful bit of goalkeeping from Hazelton, the Bees were able to hold onto a well-earned point.
Bees: Faye Hazelton, Jess Burke, Danielle Puddefoot (Kelsey Gibson 84’), Amber Tullett, Frankie Webster (Sophie Lee 90+1’), Courtney Ward-Chambers ©, Parker Dunn, Hannah Coote, Lauren Heria, Nikki Jancey (Millie Constantine 77’), Chiara Lape (Sabiha Jamal 62’). Subs (not used): Sarah Reid.
Goals: Heria (69’).
Chichester and Selsey: Isobelle Foster, Laura Da Silva, Philippa Holden, Ariana Fleischman (Lauren Clark 56’), Emma Alexandre (Nicky Lake 75’), Natasha Wild, Gemma Simmonds, Amber Howden, Megan Fox, Sophie Phelps, Sarah Saunders. Subs (not used): Gemma Staple, Rebecca Bell, Sadie Blakely.
Goals: Fox (41’).
Referee: Deie Sotimirin.
Attendance: 141.