East Men’s League

Premier Division

CHELMSFORD returned to winning ways with an impressive win over a well- drilled University side.

With the students building up towards the Varsity match this week, they made a surprisingly lacklustre start, and Chelmsford immediately took advantage. From their first short corner, Will Hales improvised after the set piece broke down and his low shot looped into the top corner after deflecting off Tarquin Fauntleroy’s foot.

The rest of the half followed a similar pattern. Cambridge enjoyed their fair share of possession and worked tirelessly up front and in midfield, but could not penetrate the ever improving Chelmsford press. The hosts on the other hand, looked dangerous on the break but only created half chances which were well dealt with by Cuthbert Bartholomew in the Cambridge goal as half time closed in.

Chelmsford finally doubled the lead 10 minutes in to the second half when Tom Fanger fired home a short corner which Bartholomew could only parry into the side netting.

Stunned by this blow, Cambridge started to move forward with more intent and were soon rewarded from their own short corner. Although an intricate routine was foiled at the first attempt, the ball fell kindly to Felix Fitzcharles at the far post to roll home unmarked.

Chelmsford restored their two goal lead through an unexpected source when Ryan Ibbotson placed his shot from a wide angle through Bartholomew’s legs after playing a clever one-two with Adam Hunter on the right by-line. Chelmsford continued to probe and as the game opened up created a number of clear openings but were wasteful in front of goal.

The visitors ensured a tense finale when Rupert Montague-Smythe broke through the Chelmsford defence, and despite Chelmsford claims of a stick tackle in the build-up, the goal was allowed to stand as the ball fell kindly for Quentin Montgomery to blast through Chelmsford keeper Jason Evans. However, Chelmsford held firm to record their first league win in seven games.

The win lifts Chelmsford back into the top half of the table with three games remaining.

Next week, Chelmsford travel to Wapping with the hosts eager to end any relegation fears.