Investec England Hockey League

Women’s East Conference

THE resurgence of the Chelmsford Ladies First XI continued with this organised display of fluent hockey and a welcome three points. Although the teams largely matched each other for the first 15 minutes, Chelmsford gradually asserted their dominance and took control of the match. Loren Sherer and Ruth Gordon, Chelmsford’s front-runners, made penetrating attacks that had the Maidstone defence reeling back.

Coming up to the half hour mark, Collette Ager picked up the ball at the left sideline and powered forward for 30 yards into the D where Chelmsford were awarded a short corner.

Maidstone initially defended the effort on goal, but failed to clear. As the ball fell loose, Hayley Heggie reacted quickly to knock the ball into the net for Chelmsford’s opening goal. With Georgia Herron, Becky Budd and Elsa Genovese looking strong, the home team kept the pressure on Maidstone through to the half time break.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Chelmsford continued to attack Maidstone’s defence and they won four short corners in quick succession. Flowing from the last of these, the ball fell to Loren Sherer who without hesitation swept the ball to her left into the goal.

Despite being behind, Maidstone stayed committed and dangerous. Captain Marie Kirkham kept the Chelmsford defence work rate high and stifled most of Maidstone’s forays forward. Late in the match a skilful combination between Julia Butterworth and Loren Sherer forced another short corner. Unable to convert this to a goal, Chelmsford ran the game to conclusion and retained the 2-0 lead.

Chelmsford’s next EHL Conference East match is away to Ipswich on Saturday, November 5, pushback is at 1.15pm.