Eastern Region Women’s Football League

Division One East

 Sunday 15^th January 2006

 Loddon United 0 – 1 Chelmsford City

 A 91^st minute goal from Emma Ridings secured the narrowest of victories for City on Sunday afternoon, after a thrilling encounter against their Norfolk counterparts.

    After the long journey to Norfolk, City were determined to take something away from the game, but Loddon were equal to the task as the first half provided a physical battle with some excellent football on show as well.  It was the home side who created the better of the chances in the opening period, but they soon became frustrated at the presence of Vanessa Smith in the Chelmsford goal, who kept out several goal-bound efforts to ensure the score remained level at the break.

    Chelmsford sprung into life a little more in the second half, with Lucy Garrett and Lisa Nepean both going close to breaking the deadlock.  But there were also chances at the other end, with Vanessa Smith forced to stay alert in the City goal, although a resolute Chelmsford defence managed to snuff out most attacking threats that came from the Loddon front-line.

    As the game entered its final stages, both teams threw players forward in a desperate bid try and find a winner, and in the end it was Chelmsford’s persistence that paid off.  Following a spell of impressive attacking football, the visitors won themselves a corner and the ball was swung in from the left, where it was met by a bundle of players.  As a Loddon player fumbled her clearance, Emma Ridings snatched the ball and shot from a tight angle, the ball bobbling past the hapless goalkeeper to wrap up a wonderful City win.