Old Loughts 1 Chelmsford 1

Premier Division

Old Loughtonians 1 Chelmsford 1

Chelmsford threw away a lead against rock-bottom Old Loughtonians to remain firmly in the relegation battle.

The Essex side are just three points above Poynton in the relegation play-off spot with two games remaining, the next of which is a crucial home match against rivals Ipswich on March 29 (12.00).

The home side started positively and in the fist minute forced Chelmsford's keeper Helen Fagg into making a save from a position that they should have scored.

Chelmsford appeared nervous in the opening minutes and it was not until the seventh minute when they were able to win their first penalty corner.

As the first half progressed, the game began to open up with both teams playing fast, attacking hockey.

Chelmsford's Tracy Willmore had a half chance to put the visitors in the lead after she had skilfully made an opening in the 'D' to shoot, only to see her shot go inches wide of the post.

With brilliant defending by Hayley Heggie and influential play in midfield by Pippa Woodrow and Becky Alltree, Chelmsford looked the more likely of the two sides to score as the half wore on.

However, it was not until the last minute of the half that the visitors took the lead after they were awarded a penalty corner from which Willmore scored.

Within minutes of the second half, Chelmsford immediately went on the attack and were awarded two penalty corners in quick succession.

With Chelmsford unable to capitalise on either of these chances, Old Loughts were able to breakout of their defensive duties to win an attacking penalty corner of their own in the 40th minute. They took their chance well, levelling the scoring after producing a slick penalty corner routine.

As the game continued, mistakes began to be made by both teams as the players began to tire and the tension of the occasion became apparent.