Chelmsford II 1 West Herts 5

Premier

Chelmsford II 1 West Herts 5

CHELMSFORD, having suffered a heavy defeat last week to top of the table Dereham, were looking to get back to winning form. Under a new coach, Chelmsford were playing a more attacking system, which put good pressure on the West Herts defence in the opening ten minutes.

Several short corners were won by the Chelmsford forwards, but unfortunately none were converted. West Herts then started to move the ball well and attacked mainly down their right flank. They won a series of short corners, all of which were well rehearsed and against the run of play, the away team were 3-0 ahead by half-time.

Chelmsford feeling the game was still there for the taking battled back in the second half. The home team moved the ball well and created some good chances, but unfortunately were unable to score. West Herts had very few shots from open play, due to some tight marking from the defence, though they did gain some more short corners.

A high strike was saved by Chelmsford keeper Chelsey Claridge, the umpire allowed play to continue and a West Herts player swept in the re-bound on the right post. Chelmsford conceded another corner and a deflection in meant the greens were 5-0 down.

Chelmsford did not give up, and continued to play some good hockey. Some fantastic passing starting from the back found Shen Dedic in space who played a beautiful aerial ball to player of the match Ally Farrar. Ally drew the Herts keeper, then slipped the ball left for Judith Duffin to accelerate onto and score on the far post.

Further attacking play won a couple more short corners for Chelmsford, but West Herts defended well to keep the final score at 1-5. A frustrating game for Chelmsford who felt the final result did not in any way reflect the game.

At an away fixture next week to bottom of the table Cambridge Uni Chelmsford will need to win vital points.

Scorer - Judith Duffin