Captain Chapman inspires Chelsea Ladies to victory

 

Captain Katie Chapman scored with two powerful headers as the Blues came from behind to beat Notts County Ladies 2-1 and keep alive their Women’s Super League title chances.

The Blues trailed to Jo Potter’s fierce 62nd-minute strike at Wheatsheaf Park but Chapman levelled from a corner within a minute.

And the England midfielder grabbed the winner with 13 minutes remaining, heading in Hannah Blundell’s cross to close the gap on leaders Manchester City Women to seven points with a game in hand.

Both sides created chances in an open first period, with Eni Aluko and Gilly Flaherty both going close for the hosts and Jess Clarke having a decent shot by Blues goalkeeper Becky Spencer at the other end.

Soon after the restart Gemma Davison was brought down in the box as she attempted to go round Megan Walsh, but the goalkeeper made amends by saving the penalty.

Potter’s strike then put the visitors ahead, but Chapman’s double turned the match around and the Blues held on despite some nervy late moments.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been drawn to play German side Wolfsburg in the Women’s Champions League for the second year in a row.

The Blues will play last season’s runner-up in the last 32 on either October 5 or 6, with the return leg a week later on October 12 or 13.