Welcome to Tier 4 Chester Le Street Town Ladies

Photography by Stephen Sport Photos

After suffering relegation to Tier 5 in the 23/24 campaign, Chester Le Street ladies have bounced back in the best way possible by securing a league and cup double to cement their place back in the National League. Having already made some great signings, they are undoubtedly a team to be reckoned with next season in Tier 4. Read on to find out all about their brilliant 24/25 season!

League form

Their season has primarily been characterized by an outstanding level of consistency across the season, which saw them win 17 out 20 fixtures having only drawn 2 and lost 1 game. This brilliant league form saw them wrap up the league comfortably with one game to spare, after a comfortable 4-0 victory away from home as Bradford City Ladies.

Fixtures away from home have seen the side shine this season and they can now boast an enviable 100% record in away league fixtures. As well as that, their defence has been hugely solid away from home only conceding 5 goals across 10 fixtures. Both home and away, their goal difference has been crucial this season as the side has stood firm and only conceded 13 goals across 20 league fixtures - a record which has seen them march towards the title.

However, Chester have not only been defensively solid, they have also shown their ability to find the back of the net through some massive scorelines in the league. A 7-0 empathetic victory against Hull City Ladies and their 6-0 thrashing of Bradford City AFC women has demonstrated their ability to dominate sides in this league.

Standout players

Much of their excellent form can be put down to some of their standout players such as Emma Hunt whose excellent form has seen her voted the club’s player's player. Formerly having played for Torquay United Women, she is currently a student at Northumbria University where she plays for the Women’s football team. A solid defender, much of the team’s defensive record can be put down to her play.

Another player who can claim credit for their enviable defensive record is young keeper Ellie Jardine who picked up the young player of the season award. The youngster joined the club this season having previously played for Sunderland’s academy. Her excellent shot-shopping ability has distinguished her as a young keeper to watch in the future.

Another brilliant player has been their striker and golden boot winner Jenny Ashton. The University of Nottingham alumni, who won the BUCS National Championship with the women’s football club, has displayed excellent goal scoring prowess this season scoring 14 across 16 league appearances. Her excellent goalscoring instincts have also seen her awarded with the manager’s player of the season award.

Cup form

Not only have they won promotion, they have topped off their excellent season by crowning themselves Durham County Cup champions. Their cup form has been truly impressive and has seen them dominate teams with score lines like 4-0 and 5-1. The final saw them pitted against Tier 4 opposition Norton and Stockton Ancients with Jenny Ashton’s goal enough to guarantee her side victory. This victory will doubtless give them the confidence that they can compete in Tier 4 next season.

As well as the County Cup, they also can boast a hugely impressive FA Cup run having reached the Third Round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup following a 2-1 victory against Ossett United Women FC and a 1-0 victory against Curzon Ashton Women. Their Second Round Fixture saw them against Durham Cestria Ladies who compete in Tier 4. With both sides being even after 120 minutes, the game went to penalties with Chester holding their nerve to win 4-3. Their Third Round tie saw them pitted against high flying Tier 3 opposition Stoke City Women where they suffered a dignified 2-1 defeat. This fixture demonstrates how they will not be at all out of place back in the National League next season.

Big signings

Having gained promotion to Tier 4, Chester have already made some smart signings in order to ensure that they maintain their spot in the National League.

The signing of former Georgia Gibson, former Newcastle United Women forward displays their ambition moving forward. The attacker boasts over 100 appearances for the WSL 2 side and also has international experience having turned out for the UAE national women’s side. Having scored 5 times at St George’s Park as well demonstrates her ability to turn up in the most crucial moments - a skill that will be crucial next season.

As well as that, they have also snatched up highly-rated goalkeeper Sophie Miller from Spennymoor Town Ladies. She returns to the club following a spell from fellow Tier 5 side Spennymoor Town Ladies and will hope her return can push her side forward next season.

Club as a whole

As a club, they have a strong development pathway as evidenced by their development team who compete in Tier 6. They are affiliated with their men’s side and currently play at Moor Park which has a capacity of over 2000 fans.

As they continue to make excellent signings ahead of next season, Chester Le Street Town are a side to lookout for as they return to Tier 4 with a point to prove.