CHELMSFORD had to fight hard to secure a point at home to Sevenaoks in the Investec EHL Conference East.
Dominating long periods of the first half through excellent cohesion between the midfield and forwards, Chelmsford had many forays into the Sevenoaks D and several attempts on goal.
Although the final touch eluded them, Chelmsford continued to work patiently to build their attacks and for much of the first half hour their defence had a stress-free time.
But with five minutes of the first half remaining, Sevenoaks stoked up their efforts and put together some fluent hockey. Ranging across both sides of the field, they built their most threatening period of the match.
Chelmsford remained well organised and focused and denied Sevenoaks' attempts to push goalbound.
At the start of the second half Sevenoaks were quickly into the attack and won a short corner, followed immediately by a second and this one they were able to put away to take the lead.
Chelmsford responded with tighter control and again had most of the possession and pressed forward
Sevenoaks concentrated on defence, allowing Chelmsford to come forward in numbers, but always conscious of the potential threat from a breakaway.
Twelve minutes into the half, Becky Budd showed skill and guile to press into the D, only to be met by a Sevenoaks infringement and a short corner was awarded.
Kate Maxey's clean strike gave the home team their well-deserved equaliser and the scene was set for both teams to go up a gear an the attempt to win the match.
Chelmsford's next league match is away at Wimbledon on Saturday November 8 with pushback at 2pm.