NE14Hockey East Women's LeaguePremier DivisionChelmsford Ladies II 2 Bury St Edmunds 0CHELMSFORD continued their improvement after two heavy defeats to Cambridge City and Dereham.
NE14Hockey East Women's League
Premier Division
Chelmsford Ladies II 2 Bury St Edmunds 0
CHELMSFORD continued their improvement after two heavy defeats to Cambridge City and Dereham. After rebuilding confidence last week away to Canterbury for which the effort deserved more than a late equaliser by Canterbury, this week saw further improvement with a well earned 2-0 win against bottom side Bury.
Chelmsford carried their good spirit from last week into this week's game and started at a high tempo to pressurise, enjoying the better of the first half. The defence was very solid and difficult to break down; well organised by Anna Smith, keeper Vanessa Smith tidying up when required, player of the match Sarah Williams making strong interceptions, while both Sophie Stock and Claudia Sidoli attacked down the flanks. The midfield welcomed back Kat Letts buzzing about and linking the play well with Louisa Smith who maintained her good form from last week. Judith Duffin put in her normal tireless work, while Ruth Astle and Hannah Maxey attacked the wings with energy. On the forward line Ally Farrar, Katie Roberts and Harriett Price ran good channels and carved out opportunities with several near misses.
With the score remaining 0-0 at half time, a confidence boosting team talk from Kath saw Chelmsford react positively to Bury's renewed efforts and ensured they kept their shape. As the second half developed, the greens continued to press the visitors looking for an elusive first goal. Louisa Smith was unlucky to see a shot hit the cross bar and when Bury did win a short corner there was the prospect of them robbing the points. Lett's dribbling class gave Chelmsford some penetration to the attacks and in the 60th minute a well-worked short corner gave a first goal to Louisa Smith. Chelmsford did not sit back and increased their lead in the 64th minute when a second short corner was stopped by a defender's foot on the goal line and Smith coolly dispatched the penalty flick for her second goal.
Chelmsford can look forward to next week's game to build on this encouraging team performance and result.
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