Chelmsford 3 Old Loughtonians 2

Slazenger Women's EHL

Premier Division

Chelmsford 3 Old Loughtonians 2

Chelmsford enjoyed a good start to the new season with a hard fought win over Essex rivals Old Loughtonians.

From the start Old Loughtonians put pressure on the Chelmsford players, not allowing them to settle into their natural, flowing game.

Attacks were limited for either side, but Chelmsford were finally able to break the deadlock in the 29th minute when Tracy Willmore drove a vicious shot into the bottom corner.

The visitors started the second half in bullish mood and they equalised within two minutes of the restart as Chelmsford keeper Helen Fagg's reflex save was deemed to be illegal and the ball was forced over the line from the resulting penalty corner.

Chelmsford were finally awarded for their patient build-up play when they regained the lead.

Charlotte Roberts forced the Old Loughts defence into an error, Becky Alltree swiftly moved the ball to Lynn Bollington on the right and her driving run found Willmore on the top of the attacking circle.

Under pressure, Old Loughts eventually gave away a penalty corner from which Lisa Wooding's well struck shot proved unstoppable, taking a deflection on its way into the net.

Chelmsford coach Simon Letchford changed the team tactics during half time and this proved crucial.

The hosts soon went further in front when Bollington delivered an inch perfect pass to Willmore who dummied the keeper and coolly slotted the ball past the retreating defender on the line.

Old Loughts showed a never-say-die attitude though and their persistence was rewarded two minutes from time when Louise Jukes snuck the ball in at the near post after reacting first to a loose ball.