WOODBRIDGE TOWN 2

CHELMSFORD CITY 1

(League Cup Fourth Round)

CITY ladies' spirited performance wasn't enough to overcome their Premier Division opponents as they bowed out of the league cup on Sunday.

On 26 minutes City had their first chance on goal when Ashleigh Harding saw her 30 yard volley land onto the roof of the net before Jasmine Wheeler had her shot comfortably saved by the home keeper.

Chelmsford started the second half in the same way they began the first and were unlucky not to go ahead when Lynsey Bowman sprayed the ball wide of the post after only three minutes.

In the 68th minute, a cross was delivered into the box which was controlled by the arm of a Woodbridge player before being dispatched into the Chelmsford net.

As the home side celebrated, the assistant was flagging for the handball but the referee somehow allowed the goal to stand.

Chelmsford continued to rally, with Harding being at the centre of the action, but shortly after had to be replaced due to injury. With fresh legs in the form of Kim Jeffery and Leanne Stubbings, the away team battled hard to find a way back into the game.

But when a header back to the keeper fell short, a Woodbridge forward nipped in to slot past the advancing keeper to extend their lead.

Chelmsford refused to lie down and on 83 minutes got the breakthrough they deserved when Bowman volleyed home from 30 yards

City coach Sharon Brownlie said: " We felt extremely hard done by with the first goal being awarded after it was a clear handball."