Chelmsford City 3 Kettering Town 1
Sunday 8th March 2009 at Marconi Leisure, West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford CM2 8HN . Kick Off 2.00pm, Eastern Region Women's League Premier Division. 

  City were looking for their third win on the trot and this they achieved with three first half goals on Sunday afternoon to strengthen their position in second place.

  City started very brightly, attacking and applying the early pressure. After only 3 mins, Leanne Stubbings saw her superb volley tipped over the bar by the Kettering keeper and from the resulting corner, Stubbings provided the perfect ball to City’s captain Claire Pavett who volleyed home.

  City continued to dominate the game and were looking to extend their lead as they played the ball around the pitch with passing, concise football. Helen Alder had an effort on goal go just wide while defender Zoe Taylor also had aan effort go close. Kettering were weathering the storm and were looking to hit City on the counter-attack but City’s defence looked solid and keeper, Jade Parker had to stay alert.

  As the skies opened with torrential rain and hailstones, City extended their lead following a short corner, Laura Brown whipping the ball into the box where Taylor was on hand to tuck the ball home.

 It was soon 3-0 when Sarah Jolly had a rasping shot saved but Brown was on hand to follow up on the rebound and bury the ball into the back of the net.  Michelle Davis had a couple of shots go just wide before the half time whistle gave both sides a welcome respite from the weather.
  City looked strong again from the start, substitute Kayleigh Franklin, coming on and immediately got involved in the action. Grainne McLaughlin and Tara Britton were also introduced as City continued to create chances but could not extend their lead further. Britton had possibly the best chance of the second half only to see her shot from the edge of the area, rattle the Kettering crossbar.

  Kettering pulled a goal back but City had done enough to secure three well earned points and looked solid throughout.


  Chelmsford City: Parker, Stubbings, Wheate, Pavett, Vernon (Britton), Taylor, Brownlie (McLaughlin), Davis, Alder (Franklin), Jolly, Brown,

City Player of the Match: Laura Brown
Referee: Les Wren (Wickford)