ESSEX COUNTY WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

LEAGUE CUP SEMI – FINAL

 Sunday 18^th April 2004

 Barking 1 – 3 Chelmsford City

 CITY started Sunday’s match well by creating three scoring opportunities within the first ten minutes.

    City continued to push forward with neat football, and one such move resulted in a fierce shot which could only be parried by the Barking goalkeeper.

    City’s Shirley Cole reacted first to square the rebound to Paula Drane who calmly put the ball into the open goal.

    Barking were level just before the break with a well taken goal.

    The second half continued to be as physical as the first half with a number of City players needing treatment but they showed their character to gain the upper hand.

    On 75 minutes, Emma Ridings broke through the defence and lobbed the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper with perfect precision to restore City’s lead.

    Barking had the opportunity to draw level but it was squandered following a wonderful last ditch clearance by the covering Kerri Binks.

    Cities continued to press and were rewarded in the 85^th minute when the goalkeeper brought down Paula Drane and City were awarded a penalty.

    The spot-kick was saved and from the resulting corner, Lucy Garrett drilled the ball in for the unmarked Shirley Cole to head home and seal a good win.

    City will face Billericay Town in the final on May 16^th, at White Notley Football Club.