Essex County Women’s Challenge Cup Second Round

Sunday 12^th January 2003

 CHELMSFORD CITY 8 – 1 MALDON TOWN

 CHELMSFORD City finally got this County Cup match played at the third attempt and successfully booked a place in the quarter-finals.

Both sides struggled to cope with the frozen pitch during the opening 15 minutes although City who took a fifth minute lead when Emma Ridings calmly netted following a fine through ball by Lisa Foakes.

Judith Duffin came close minutes later when her cross from the bye line on the right deceived the keeper and going inches over the bar.

City were beginning to pass the ball around well in phases and extended their lead after 21 minutes through a superb 25 yard shot from Claire Hunt which gave the keeper no chance.

Moments later, Sharon Brownlie showed great skill on the turn to net a third goal.

Chelmsford were eagerly battling for every ball which ensured they enjoyed the majority of possession, City’s midfield dominating their opponents.  On the half hour, Ridings scored her side’s fourth goal after Foakes squared the ball low into the box from the left.

Maldon’s ‘keeper pulled off a string of good saves, including three point-blank stops. She could not prevent City grabbing a fifth on 36 minutes following a goalmouth scramble which culminated in Ridings completing her hat-trick.

 A minute later, Duffin showed great skill down the right before crossing into the six yard box where an unfortunate defender diverted the ball into her own net.

The second half was a more low key affair with City looking content knowing the game was effectively safe. Maldon were looking more dangerous with their swift counter attacks but the experienced Elizabeth Marshall covered well at times.

Foakes extended Chelmsford’s lead with a lob over the ‘keeper fron close range before the visitors reduced the arrears after 60 minutes courtesy of a slip by the City ‘keeper leaving a Maldon forward the simple task of side footing the ball into an empty net.

Ridings then rounded off the scoring with her fourth goal of the afternoon after turning a couple of defenders in the box and netting with a left foot shot into the bottom corner.

City’s ‘keeper Clare Pearson had to be at her best when she raced from her line to bravely block a forward’s shot near the end.

Chelmsford have the unenviable tast of entertaining National League Side Barking in the quarter-final this Sunday at Barnston AFC, High Easter Road, Barnston.

City Team: Bell(Pearson), Marshall, Clout(Brett), Foakes(Chisholm), Ridings, Terrell, Thompson, Hunt, Brownlie, Duffin and Manns.