NE14Hockey East LeagueDivision 1NColchester 3 Braintree 2COLCHESTER edged a close encounter to beat local rivals Braintree on Saturday.The home side started strongly and dominated possession for much of the first half, but found it difficult to get the final clear cut chance that would break the deadlock.

NE14Hockey East League

Division 1N

Colchester 3 Braintree 2

COLCHESTER edged a close encounter to beat local rivals Braintree on Saturday.

The home side started strongly and dominated possession for much of the first half, but found it difficult to get the final clear cut chance that would break the deadlock. After a number of short corners the breakthrough finally came after a strike by Lucy Struth was saved by Braintree keeper Cheryl Pinch only for the deflection to fall to Helen Barnes who made no mistake from close range. The lead was relatively short lived however, when a mistake at the back let in Braintree's Katherine Abby who struck the ball easily past Colchester keeper Jacqui Crombie.

At 1-1 Colchester had to re-build and again took the lead before half time when another short corner routine, struck by Anna Foley, rebounded out, this time for Lucy Struth to power in her shot.

The second half again saw Colchester dominating for large periods of play but finding it increasingly difficult to beat keeper Pinch. At the other end Braintree were creating problems for the home side's defence and after a poor clearance the visitor's got the equalizer they were threatening. At 2-2 with 10 minutes remaining Colchester regained control of the game and were awarded a controversial short corner. The routine broke down but the ball found it's way to Karen Harris on the right. Her pass found Kirsty Barber who drove to the baseline, passed the ball across the face of goal where Emma Cresswell-Maynard was on hand to tap in and give Colchester a 3-2 lead.

With minutes remaining Colchester were able to keep control and hold on for an all important win.