Chelmsford II 1 West Herts 4

NE14Hockey East Women's League

Premier Division

Chelmsford II 1 West Herts 4

THIS rearranged fixture saw Chelmsford field a squad missing no less than five of its regular players, but also welcomed some new youngsters into the team who put in fine performances. However, a battling West Herts team, who are currently enjoying a winning a streak, proved too tough a challenge as Chelmsford struggled to adjust and find consistency for the full 70 minutes.

It was the home side who were actually quicker to settle into the game with some good runs from Poppy Church and Georgia Herron up front who created some early chances. This pressure was rewarded when some good individual skill from Katie Roberts in midfield, released Church on the attack down the right who was able to deliver a well placed cross into the D Herron was on hand at the far post to slip the ball past the keeper and take the lead for the greens.

This early deficit saw the visitors spring into action and start to pressurise the Chelmsford defence. The home side were on the end of some questionable umpiring decisions, which led to a number of short corners conceded against them. West Herts were able to capitalise on their chances, successfully converting one and adding a further goal from open play to take them into the lead at half time.

Again it was the home team who started back the strongest. Player of the match, Louisa Smith, distributed some well-placed balls to split the West Herts defence while Kirsty Smith worked tirelessly down the left. Despite demonstrating some short periods of flowing hockey, the greens were unable to capitalise on their possession and find a second elusive goal.

In the end it was West Herts' resilience, which won through with the visitors securing another two goals from short corners to extend their lead to three goals. A tired Chelmsford were unable to respond to pull back the deficit, but will take heart from some good individual performances from some of the up and coming players and some strong team play in places.

Next week Chelmsford travel to Dereham who are currently riding high in the league, but will be buoyed by the return of a number of players following the half term break.