Photo: Libby Wilkinson heads in the opening goal against Woodley. Credit: Gary Marsh

Chelsie Hay scored a brace as Winchester City Flyers ran out 5-1 winners over Woodley United in the Southern Region Premier Division.

The Flyers netted four first-half goals through Libby Wilkinson, Hay (two) and Emma Whitlock to storm into the lead.

Annie Northwood added a fifth after the break to ensure the win, and Woodley scored a late consolation goal.

Winchester headed into the game off the back of five consecutive wins in all competitions and looking to extend that run.

Emily Wernham and Freya Twigg returned to the squad, and Libby Wilkinson got her first start of the season.

The Flyers tried to get off to a strong start with opportunities for Northwood and Hay, but neither could convert them into chances.

Wilkinson had a volley blocked from a corner, and Hay turned a defender, then the ball was cleared before she could shoot.

Woodley were forcing the Flyers to be patient as they pushed for the opener.

After 25 minutes, Winchester broke the deadlock.

Northwood controlled the ball before releasing Hay down the wing and into the box.

The striker turned provider as she crossed into the box and found an unmarked Wilkinson whose header couldn’t be kept out by Amy Whale.

Winchester kicked into gear after the opener, and seven minutes later they doubled the lead.

Izzy Carugati raced in behind and sent a low cross into the box that troubled the Woodley defence, who failed to clear, allowing Hay to slot home her first of the game.

More chances went begging for the Flyers as Hay, Thornton, Vokes and Northwood all tried to extend the lead.

As the game headed towards the break, Winchester scored two goals within two minutes of each other.

Captain Whitlock got on the end of Hay’s pass back to fire into the Woodley goal.

Then on the stroke of half-time Hay made it 4-0.

Hay met a Northwood’s lovely through ball as she barrelled her way into the Woodley box to shoot low, and beat White at her near post.

A strong showing from the Flyers saw the four goals to the good at the break and 45 minutes away from a sixth win in a row.

With a strong lead, Emma Pearmine looked to her bench as she introduced the attacking prowess of Freya Twigg and Emily Wernham.

In the 50th minute, Northwood got the fifth of the game as she controlled Whitlock’s excellent switch ball.

She took one touch before firing into the roof of the net from just outside the box.

There was a plethora of chances for the Flyers to extend their lead, but they couldn’t find their clinical edge.

As the clock ticked down, Woodley grew into the game and advanced into the Winchester half.

Ellie Parker had had a quiet afternoon with very little coming her way but was tested late on and was forced into a good low save.

Wernham struck the post late on before hitting the side netting with her follow-up shot.

In the 90th minute, the visitors did get a consolation goal through Ella Smith.

It was too late for Woodley, though, who are still searching for their first win of the season.

The final whistle came as the heavens opened up, and the Flyers had secured three more points ahead of their big Women’s FA Cup match against Keynsham Town next weekend.