Chelmsford City 3 Barking 2

Sunday 22^nd February 2009 at Marconi Leisure, West Hanningfield Road Kick Off 2.00pm, Eastern Region Women’s League Premier Division. 

  Chelmsford got back to winning ways with a superb second half comeback to secure the three points and ensure they stay second in the table.

It was a bright start by City with Sharon Brownlie having a good effort saved following good passing football by Kayleigh Franklin and Laura Brown. Barking began to control the game and snatched the lead with a swift counter-attack and an early ball over the top where a striker took full advantage to score. City continued to try and play quick one touch football but Barking defended stoutly, keeping City’s strikers quiet. Helen Alder had an effort saved and Sarah Jolly hit a shot just wide but it looked as if it was going to be one of those days, when at the other end, Barking extended their lead. A harmless pass back struck a divot and bobbled enough to go under the goal keeper’s foot and into the net for a fortuitous second goal.
  City came out strong after the break knowing an early goal for them would put them back in the game. That’s exactly what they managed to do, breaking down the right wing following a neat interchange of passes involving Franklin and Zoe Taylor. Taylor put in a great cross into the box which landed at the feet of Jasmine Wheeler, who made no mistake volleying into the bottom corner.

 Barking looked to restore their two goal cushion by pushing forward which opened up gaps for City to exploit. City were closing down their opponents early and this paid dividends when Alder won possession and her early strike flew past the keeper to level the scores.

  Both teams, to their credit, pushed for the winning goal with City looking the stronger at this point. Sarah Jolly went close with a shot which flew wide before City made a change, Grainne McLaughlin coming on for Laura Brown. McLaughlin immediately made an impact with her constant running, chasing the ball down at every opportunity.

  Jade Parker had to be alert in the City goal, making a couple of excellent saves and with five minutes remaining, City won an important corner. Leanne Stubbings floated the perfect ball into the box where influential captain Claire Pavett volleyed home with a sweet left foot strike.

  Barking pushed forward in a last effort to salvage a point but City held on to claim a well deserved victory and three vital points.

  Chelmsford City: Parker, Taylor, Wheate, Pavett, Stubbings, Franklin, Brownlie, Alder, Wheeler, Brown (McLaughlin), Jolly. Subs not used: Vernon, Britton and Topper.

  With Manager Clare Andrews away, she would be pleased with the result. It was a great game to watch, both teams wanting to win. In the first half, Barking came out strong and played some good football but the second half saw City come out stronger and better. Their team work, determination and passion to want to win showed through in the end, every player giving their all. Credit must go to Barking for their part in an entertaining game of good football.

Player of Match: Laura Brown
Goal Scorers: Jasmine Wheeler, Helen Alder and Claire Pavett.
Referee: Dave Tregaskes (Chelmsford)

.