First team are outgunned by Harleston

HARLESTON MAGPIES I 3

CHELMSFORD I 1

(England Hockey League Women's Conference East)

FOLLOWING last week's welcome win Chelmsford made the worst possible start on Saturday.

The Green's conceded a scruffy goal after just two minutes before having the lion's share of first half possession.

Kate Maxey, Hayley Heggie and Marie Kirkham held the back line and played searching passes to the midfield and forwards.

Maxey executed a skilful double feint to press an attack through the Harleston defence which led to what was to be the first of many Chelmsford short corners.

Libby Knifton took possession of the ball outside the D and although she moved smartly into space she was tripped by a Harleston defender, warranting a penalty corner.

As half time approached an equaliser seemed to beckon.

With two more short corners Chelmsford's domination was clearly on record, but the goals failed to materialise.

Chelmsford continued the relentless pressure in the second half, but the umpires felt that both team's commitment over-stepped the mark and the flow of the game was interrupted as Kat Letts was sent off and a Harleston player was booked.

Chelmsford's concentration was disturbed and Harleston took advantage of space in front of the 'D' to edge a second goal into the net.

If Chelmsford were dazed by conceding an apparent soft goal they were stunned when in less than a minute Harleston took their lead to 3-0.

Chelmsford pressed Harleston back and the team got their reward for endeavour with a simple tap in by Sarah Glanvill with 10 minutes remaining.

Chelmsford won a couple more short corners but again failed to capitalise.

This Saturday Chelmsford are at home to Cambridge City (push-back 12 noon).

WEST HERTS I 3

CHELMSFORD II 1

(NE14Hockey East Women's League Premier Division)

THIS defeat has left Chelmsford in a precarious position at the wrong end of the table.

The manner of the defeat was also worrying if they are to avoid releagtion.

In the first half Chelmsford were a shadow of the committed cohesive team of the previous week and allowed West Herts to control the game.

As a result Chelmsford found themselves 3-0 down at half-time. Chelmsford had a few chances, but despite having the beating of a slow West Herts defence, failed to score.

Following captain Lisa Crane's example, Chelmsford's work rate improved in the second half and an Ally Farrar goal with 15 to go gave Chelmsford some hope, but unfortunately the fightback did not materialise.

Chelmsford host Cambridge University this Saturday.