Chelmsford Ladies 1st XI - 1
St. Albans 1st XI - 1
Investec EHL Conference East
Scorers: Bryony Pipe
CHELMSFORD fought hard and dominated much of this exciting match and whilst a point is welcomed, it could so easily have been all three points to the Essex side.
With two attacks on goal in the opening minutes, Chelmsford set to the task with relish and flowing open play. Excellent forward running by Tori Clark, Kate Taylor and Collette Ager had the St Albans defence reeling back in numbers and confident control of the midfield by Emer Acton, Jess Bryan and Julia Butterworth stifled St Albans attempts to get out of their own half.
As the game progressed St Albans managed to press forward and after 20 minutes secured a short corner, which they converted to take the lead. Chelmsford ignored this setback and stayed organised and positive and again held much of the play through to the interval.
At the restart, St Albans showed determination and commitment to increasing their lead but with goalkeeper Lynsey Warren on great form and solid defensive performances from Sophie Stock and Hayley Heggie Chelmsford handled the pressure and went forward to build attacks of their own. Kate Maxey was hugely influential on the right flank and the combination of Elsa Genovese and Becky Budd on the left stretched the play across the pitch.
Repeated attacks into the D resulted in Chelmsford making several attempts on goal but they had to wait until late in the game to secure the equaliser. A coordinated move on the right saw the ball pressed into the D where St Albans were slow to clear. Youngster Bryony Pipe took the initiative and swept the ball home, her first goal at National league level.
Chelmsford sought to round off the match with a winning goal and although they secured a short corner in the last minutes, the match concluded with the honours shared.
Chelmsford's next match is on Saturday September 20 away at East Grinstead with pushback at 1.30pm.
