St Albans 1 Chelmsford 1

Women's Conference East

St Albans 1 Chelmsford 1

CHELMSFORD Ladies' successes for much of this season have been achieved through a combination of hard work throughout the game with determination to operate well as a team. In recent matches they have struggled to make the final touch count as again seen in this frustrating game where Chelmsford's possession and power were not enough to secure all three points.

St Albans were awarded a short corner after only three minutes as Kate Maxey was deemed to have deliberately used the back of the stick to clear an attack. St Albans clean strike gave them a 1-0 lead but Chelmsford responded with strong attacking play spearheaded by Sarah Bolton and Libby Knifton. Following a sustained period of control from Chelmsford, captain Marie Kirkham moved forward from her role in defence to fire an inch-perfect delivery in to the D for Beth Wild to deflect with a skilled first-time touch into the goal.

Chelmsford continued the pressure tactics with shots on goal from Knifton and Kat Letts going close. Maintaining a strong defensive line of Kate Maxey, Hayley Heggie and the ever improving Jess Ecott, Chelmsford effectively shut out most of St Albans' attacking ideas.

The early stages of the second half saw both teams taking a cautious approach but Chelmsford's midfield steadily took control and allowed the forwards the confidence to run into space. Libby Knifton found herself one on one with the St Albans goalkeeper, who made a good save to keep the home team in the game.

Sarah Glanvill's fine deflection just rolled out side the right post. Marie Kirkham, again exploring opportunities from the midfield charged into the St Albans D to fire a shot that agonisingly clipped the goalkeeper's toes to go wide.

As the time wound to a close Chelmsford's continued pressure seemed to assure a goal, but St Albans held out to secure a draw.

Chelmsford's next game is at home to Southgate on Saturday, February 27 starting at noon.

Scorer: Beth Wild