Southgate 2 Chelmsford 1

Division One

Southgate 2 Chelmsford 1

Chelmsford produced one of their best displays of the season but were still left to dwell on what may have been as they fell by the odd goal in three to top-of-the-table Southgate.

Given that Chelmsford lost 5-1 in the very first game of the season to the same opposition, progress has clearly been made by the ninth placed side.

The first half was a tight affair and Chelmsford were looking dangerous, particularly on the break, as they utilised the pace of Richard Nourse to good effect.

Southgate's best opportunity was in the first minute of the game, but after that Chelmsford's defence was well organised.

The league leaders changed things around at half time, moving to three at the back and four up front to go all out for victory.

However, this left the Middlesex side exposed on the break and, in the 43rd minute, Chelmsford shocked the large home support when Luke Mepham's crash ball was deflected into the bottom corner by 16 year-old Ed Stanhope.

With this breakthrough, Chelmsford knew that all the pressure was thrust onto their opposition who had to win the game.

However, within a further five minutes Chelmsford were a goal down as a Rick Gay brace put the league leaders in front.

Firstly, Southgate earned a penalty stroke after a foul on Adam Wilson, which was duly converted.

Then, the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty corner that was put through the legs of Dean Armstrong.

Chelmsford pushed forward and were on top for the majority of the final minutes, with Southgate putting all their men behind the ball.

The Essex side couldn't quite create any clear cut chances though and ended up in defeat.

Chelmsford now have a weeks break for Easter and this is followed up with their final home league game of the season against Guildford.