Essex County Women's Football League

Sunday 13^th October 2002

CHELMSFORD CITY 4 – 4 HARLOW TOWN

     Chelmsford City, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Direct, served up an exciting eight-goal thriller with Harlow Town at Barnston on Sunday

   City created two great chances within the opening two minutes, Judith Duffin, on her home debut, having an effort blocked by the goalkeepers legs.

   Disaster struck moments later during Harlow’s first attack when poor defending from a corner saw a Harlow striker rise unchallenged in the six yard box to head her side in front.

   In the 14^th minute, another poorly defended corner saw an initial header hit the post with the rebound being bundled over the line by a Harlow player to extend their lead.

   The Harlow goalkeeper got down well to turn Ridings shot round the post on 29 minutes and moments later, Ridings had another effort rattle the Harlow upright.

   In the 33^rd minute, Duffin did well on the right to provide a good cross from the byeline only for Ridings’ close range effort frustratingly rebound off the crossbar.

   Harlow made it 3 – 0 on 39 minutes, a high ball falling kindly to a Harlow forward who capitalised on indecision to burst through and tuck the ball through the goalkeepers legs.

   On the stroke of half time, Chelmsford pulled a goal back following a Claire Hunt’s angled ball cut open the Harlow defence for Ridings to outpase a defender and fire a shot into the net.

   Into the second half and a deserved second goal arrived for City when Elizabeth Marshall supplied the perfect pass to Lisa Foakes who netted with a low shot.

   A poor ball forward from the back by Chelmsford midway through the half saw Harlow move the ball forward, resulting in the visitors extending their lead.

   City reduced the deficit with a well taken strike by Claire Hunt. Duffin was the provider whose pass set up Hunt who calmly lifted the ball into the net.

   The deserved equalising goal came with 15 minutes remaining following a great ball by the impressive Lucy Garrett saw Ridings beat the offside trap to place the ball into the net

   Chelmsford continued to push forward but chances went begging as Harlow held onto to share the points.

Chelmsford City: Pearson, Marshall, Bell (Clout), Foakes, Ridings, Terrell (Chisholm), Thompson, Hunt, Brownlie (Chase), Garrett and Duffin. Unused Substitute: Barnard.