Gemma Davison scored twice on her Chelsea league debut as the Blues got their Women’s Super League season off to a winning start with an impressive 2-1 victory at Notts County Ladies.
Manager Emma Hayes saw her side boss the early stages of an intriguing opening half, and they led through Davison’s cool low finish.
Rachel Williams nodded in from a corner within two minutes to level the scores against her old side, but Davison grabbed her second from the penalty spot to secure the points with 17 minutes remaining.
Chelsea, who battered Watford 6-0 in their season opener in the FA Cup last weekend, dominated the first quarter of a feisty encounter at Meadow Lane.
The searing pace of Eniola Aluko and direct running of fellow forward Davison provided the main threat, with the former teeing up a good early chance for Drew Spence who mis-kicked when well placed.
Davison then forced a brilliant near-post stop from Notts goalkeeper Carly Telford and, from the corner that followed, Spence was unlucky not to find the corner of the net with a deft flicked effort.
At the other end, the excellent Katie Chapman made a fine block to divert Ellen White’s attempt over the bar as Notts finally threatened.
But within a minute Chelsea led, Davison controlling and finishing tidily from Spence’s clever pass.
The joy was short lived with Williams heading home direct from a corner.
Horrendous weather hindered both sides in the first 25 minutes of the second period but when the rain stopped and the wind dropped, Chelsea began to find their rhythm.
Ji So-Yun headed narrowly wide after a swift break and the Blues then led when Davison netted from the penalty spot after being tripped by Amy Turner.
And despite some late home pressure from the Lady Pies, last season’s runners-up held on to beat a side who they failed to score against in two league games last term.
Chelsea Ladies versus Liverpool in the FA Women’s Super League takes place on Sunday 19 April at Wheatsheaf Park, Staines Town FC. Kick-off is at 2pm and tickets are currently available priced at £5 for adults and £3 for juniors/seniors.
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This post was last modified on 08/07/2015