EASTERN REGION WOMEN’S LEAGUE

MEMORIAL SHIELD FINAL

 Sunday 8^th May 2005

 AFC Kempston 0 – 3 Chelmsford City

    CHELMSFORD City finished the 2004/2005 season in style on Sunday as they triumphed over AFC Kempston Rovers to lift the Eastern Region Women’s League Memorial Shield in front of a good crowd at Soham Town Rangers FC. 

     City were the underdogs but went close to taking an early lead.

    Emma Ridings tried to lob the ball over the goalkeeper after being put clear but the keeper stood tall and the shot went into her arms.

    After a string of attempts on goal were cleared, Vanessa Smith’s powerful effort went just wide of the target.

    Kempston tried to create chances, but their best opportunity was wasted as their striker fumbled the ball into the side netting.

    Emma Ridings gave City the lead when she drilled the ball into the net following a weaving run into the box by Kerri Binks.

    City began to look more confident on the ball after the goal, and Kerri Binks was unlucky not to double the advantage as her looping shot was tipped over the cross bar by the keeper.

    Angelina Hadley ensured that City had a two-goal cushion before the break, as her deflected shot on 35 minutes looped into the net.

    The Clarets went into the second half determined not to relax, and an all-round battling team performance saw them push for a third goal, which came from player-of-the-match Emma Ridings to wrap up a superb win.

    City goalkeeper Carly Waters was in outstanding form and combined with the defence of Elizabeth Marshall, Jemma Bell, Laura Kendle and Vanessa Smith to ensure her side kept a clean sheet.

    After last season’s cup final heartbreak, City were delighted to life the Memorial Shield in front of their large following, and the team will be hoping to build upon this victory for next season’s Eastern region campaign.

CHELMSFORD CITY: Carly Waters, Elizabeth Marshall, Laura Kendle, Vanessa Smith, Jemma Bell, Emma Wells, Sharon Brownlie, Laura Brown, Angelina Hadley, Emma Ridings Kerri Binks, Martina Harman, Lucy Garrett, Zoe Taylor and Sarah Jolly.