Chelmsford 1 Leicester 1

Slazenger Women's EHL Premier Division

Chelmsford 1 Leicester 1

Chelmsford welcomed the current league and reigning champions Leicester to Chelmer Park on Saturday in what turned into an enthralling and nail-biting match.

Leicester who, having won their last two league matches, scoring 22 goals, went into this fixture clear favourites to win. This did not stop Chelmsford starting the better of the sides and they showed great confidence in passing the ball around the pitch in the opening minutes.

In their first attack of the game Leicester won a penalty corner in the fifth minute. Following a well worked short corner routine, Leicester scored and things did not look good for the home side considering the recent goal scoring spree that Leicester have been on.

Chelmsford remained resolute in defence though with goalkeeper Helen Fagg, deputising for the injured Katy Roberts, making some crucial saves, ensuring that the visitors did not increase their lead.

The home side, despite the early setback, continued to keep their discipline and shape but found it increasingly difficult to capitalise on any attacks that they made into the Leicester half.

Even though leading 1-0 at half time, it was Leicester who were the unhappier of the two teams and Chelmsford re-started the second half with renewed vigour and belief. Within five minutes of the re-start, Chloe Rogers made an individual run down the right with no Leicester player taking the responsibility to make a tackle. This indecision proved crucial as Rogers continued her run and coolly slipped the ball underneath Leicester's keeper to make the game level.

Chelmsford had several chances to go into the lead with a couple of near misses by forwards Lynn Bollington and Tracy Willmore. The latter only being denied a goal when the faintest of touches by Leicester's goalie saw the shot by Willmore go inches wide of the post.

Chelmsford had much of the possession in the second half, with Leicester being unable to impose any authority on the match. Nearing the end of the game, Leicester, as would be expected from reigning league champions, put Chelmsford under pressure. The defence remained strong and denied Leicester any real chance of scoring.