Second placed Chelmsford City put themselves well in the chase for honours as they inflicted the first league defeat of the season on their Essex rivals.

  In the first minute, City’s Claire Pavett earned a free kick but the Dagenham keeper held onto the sweetly struck kick. It was the away side that scored against the run of play when Daggers striker Nicola Carty, making a well timed run down the wing to put a cross into the box which was deflected by an unfortunate City defender into her own net .

  Moments later, the visitors went close with a header while at the other end, City's Laura Brown was linking up well with Helen Alder and Sarah Jolly as City always looked dangerous going forward.

  Jade Parker, in the City goal had to be alert to race out of her box and put in a well timed tackle and play immediately switched to the other end. City earned a free kick which was put into the box where former Daggers midfielder, Michelle Davis converted at the far post. Moments before the break City almost snatched the lead but Brown’s crisp shot hit the bar while Zoe Taylor's follow up shot went over the bar.

   The second half started as the first had finished with both teams playing quick passing football. City had the early effort with a Taylor shooting wide but minutes later, City’s Leanne Stubbings gave her side a deserved lead. She made good progress down the wing before lobbing the away keeper from 25 yards.

  A period of dominance for City followed, Jolly having a shot parried by the keeper who also saved Taylor’s follow up. City introduced Jasmine Wheeler, Emma Ridings and Grainne Mclaughlin as they looked to maintain their momentum. Ridings immediately latched onto a Sharon Brownlie through ball but was adjudged offside 

  Dagenham were always dangerous going forward and the league’s top goalscorer Sara Sinclair used her speed to nip in and round Parker to draw her side level but City were still looking for the win they needed. Brownlie had an effort saved while Parker held onto fine Daggers effort before Stubbings sent the crowd wild with a 30 yard effort. Finding herself with space she curled a superb effort over the keeper into the far corner for what proved to be the winner.

  City had further chances to go further ahead with Wheeler’s run on goal being ruled offside and Ridings put Mclaughlin through on goal but her shot went over.

  City Manager Clare Andrews stated  that City had played some fantastic football today and the whole team put in 110% to further our promotion hopes. She also gave credit to Dagenham & Redbridge who equally played some outstanding football. The way both teams played was worthy of a cup final and enjoyable to watch.

  Chelmsford City: Parker, Pavett, Taylor (Wheeler), Wheate, Vernon, Brownlie, Davis, Alder, Brown (McLaughlin), Jolly (Ridings) and Stubbings. Unused Sub: Britton.

City Player of the Match: Claire Pavett
Referee: Jonathan Smith (Wickford)