Investec Women’s Hockey League

EH Cup – Round Three

Chelmsford 3 Teddington 0

THIS third-round Investec Women’s Cup encounter required some mid-game adaptation to Chelmsford’s tactics in order to secure the win, and a place in the quarter-final draw. Teddington’s recent form has been excellent and although they play in a league below Chelmsford, clearly wanted to show their skills and capabilities.

For the first 15 minutes the teams were evenly matched but as Chelmsford settled into the game they created some dangerous attacking moves. An effort on goal from Collette Ager was cleared off the line by a Teddington defender but just two minutes later Hayley Heggie broke from midfield and pushed the ball forward for Kate Taylor to shoot for goal. The goalkeeper initially blocked the attempt but as the ball fell loose, Taylor sweetly lofted the ball into the roof of the net for Chelmsford’s opening goal.

Teddington continued to work hard in the centre and refused to allow Chelmsford any time or space on the ball. Growing in confidence, Teddington pressed forward and won no less than four short corners in quick succession. The Chelmsford defence dealt with these and the team again took the initiative to build the game from midfield, but had to settle for the one goal lead at half-time.

The opening stages of the second period saw a new approach from Chelmsford, playing wider and willing to switch channels. A determined attack on the left and drive into the D by Kate Taylor allowed her to push the ball forward for Collette Ager’s first time strike to take the lead to 2-0.

Chelmsford then maintained tight control of the game. Excellent work from Sophie Stock, Louisa Taylor and Hayley Heggie kept the midfield in good order and committed hockey from youngster Maddy Newlyn linking with Blaise Copeland and Sophie Green disarmed any Teddington attempts to get back on terms.

As Chelmsford pressed forward, a beautifully weighted ball from Louisa Taylor through the centre found Kat Hales free to strike the ball in to take the score to a more appropriate 3-0. Chelmsford kept on top of the game for the remaining time and can now look forward to the quarter finals next February.

EHL Conference East

Chelmsford 0 Sevenoaks 1

THIS excellent display of National League hockey could have gone either way, but Chelmsford were left disappointed with the loss of the points by the odd goal to Sevenoaks, the league leaders.

The early stages of the match looked ominous for Chelmsford as Sevenoaks applied the expected pressure. But Chelmsford’s defence blunted any real dangers and after a quarter of an hour the home team forwards established their own agenda on the game.

At 12 minutes on the clock, a direct through ball from Hayley Heggie was pushed forward by Kat Hales and a reverse stick strike on goal by Julia Butterworth passed the right hand post. Front running by Collette Ager stretched the Sevenoaks back line and midfield control from Becky McGuiness, Kate Taylor and Hayley Heggie had the visitors pinned back.

Sevenoaks pressured Chelmsford and won a series of three short corners. Again Chelmsford’s defence were up to the challenge and as well as seeing off the corners provided the platform for a revival to Chelmsford’s attacking initiatives. As the half neared a conclusion, Chelmsford looked the better side.

The second period commenced with Sevenoaks making every effort to open the scoring. More short corners were defended by Chelmsford and again they built their own efforts in attack. The game became an open flow of high-class hockey and Chelmsford had the upper hand for much of the time. With less than 10 minutes left in the match, Sevenoaks broke through and grabbed an open play goal. Chelmsford reacted with full commitment and in the last seconds of the game won a short corner. The effort passed outside the post and Sevenoaks hung on to the points. Chelmsford’s frustration at losing the match was tempered with the satisfaction of putting in an excellent team performance.

Chelmsford’s next game is away to local rivals Old Loughtonians on Sunday, October 18. Pushback is at 3pm.