Slazenger Women's EHLPremier DivisionSlough 5 Chelmsford 0Chelmsford were eventually well beaten by championship challengers Slough on Saturday, despite a determined display against the now league leaders.
Slazenger Women's EHL
Premier Division
Slough 5 Chelmsford 0
Chelmsford were eventually well beaten by championship challengers Slough on Saturday, despite a determined display against the now league leaders.
The Essex side were on the back foot early on, England & GB keeper Katy Roberts being forced into a number of fine saves to keep the game goalless.
Slough then looked to up the tempo but the Chelmsford defence, marshalled by Irish international Ciara O'Brien, held firm and the home side found few opportunities.
Chelmsford continued to play with some purpose and remained disciplined in their passing game, but they were unable to make inroads into Slough's final third of the pitch.
It was not until the 28th minute, after a spell of continual pressure, that the deadlock was broken and Slough took the lead when a loose ball in the 'D' was seized on by Becky Odlin and fired into the top of the net.
Minutes later Odlin scored a second when she took advantage of a loss of concentration by the Chelmsford defence. Unchallenged as she attacked down the right wing Odlin was able to pick her spot in the far corner past the diving Roberts to give Slough a 2-0 half time lead.
Chelmsford started the second half on the attack but spurned their best chance to score. Lynn Bollington played in Becky Alltree with an aerial ball down the left wing, Alltree unselfishly tried to play in Charlotte Roberts who was in the better position to score, but the Slough defence intercepted her pass and chance was lost.
Slough were unable to create many goal scoring chances as much of the second half was played in midfield, with Chelmsford continuing their high work rate.
As in the first half, Chelmsford were undone in the last ten minutes of the half as Slough scored a further three goals.
Two penalty corners were converted by Purdy Miller and Natalie Bell before Becky Odlin sealed her hat-trick and a 5-0 win for Slough in the last minute, flattering the score line in the process.
With this result Slough moved to the top of the league following Bowdon & Hightown's surprise defeat at home to Olton & West Warks.
Next Saturday Chelmsford play host to Leicester at Chelmer Park (2pm) in their last outdoor league fixture before the winter break.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here