Bath Buccaneers 5 Chelmsford 1

Slazenger EHL

Division One

Bath Buccaneers 5 Chelmsford 1

CHELMSFORD look set for the relegation play-offs following their fifth consecutive defeat.

Only a first victory of the season from bottom placed Teddington, along with a victory for Chelmsford against relegated Holcombe will be enough to save the Essex team.

Chelmsford, playing into a strong wind in the first half, were 2-1 down at half time. The first Bath goal was controversial, with strong Chelmsford appeals for an infringement in the build up, followed by claims of obstruction as Jono Holt virtually lay on top of the ball.

There were no complaints for the second goal however as Holt tucked a penalty stroke into the bottom corner of the goal.

In between the two goals, Ed Stanhope claimed his first National League goal. The 15-year-old was overjoyed as his cool finish drew the scores level.

Chelmsford felt they were able to overcome the one goal deficit and started the half in promising fashion, but were never creative enough in the final third. As Chelmsford pushed further forward, holes were appearing at the back. David Cooper's penalty corner strike took the lead to two goals and Holt's hat trick, followed by Richard Bendry's late goal sealed the win.

The result was a fair one as Chelmsford had not learnt the lessons of the previous weeks. Chelmsford are now likely to face either Oxted or Barford Tigers in the play-offs.