Chelmsford City 2 Writtle Minors 1 (after extra time)
Sunday 10th May 2009 at Ashingdon School, Fambridge Road, Ashingdon, kick off 11.00am. Essex County Girls League Under 11 Eastern Division Championship Play-Off.

  A dramatic winner from Charlotte Barnard in the final minutes of extra time secured the league title for City in an absorbing, entertaining title decider on Sunday.

  Early pressure from City was soaked up well by a strong Writtle defence as Chelmsford enjoyed slightly the better of the possession. Writtle slowly began to come better into the game and took the lead through an unstoppable shot which gave City’s keeper no chance.

  The second half was an evenly contested affair as both sets of players put on a show of passionate, entertaining passing  football in the heat. Anna Copping in the City goal was called upon to make at least three vital saves while at the other end, the Writtle keeper was forced to keep out Sophie Vale and Ashton Payne’s efforts.

  As the half entered its final stages, City equalized when Vale, with her back to goal on the left wing, flicked the ball up and over the defenders, it bounced in front of and then over the unfortunate keeper into the net. 

  Extra time saw both teams creating numerous chances with both defences standing firm. Maddie Twaite and Charlotte Barnard were inspirational in midfield with Aimee Turner making a number of timely tackles at the back.

  With a penalty shoot-out looming, City put the Writtle goal under pressure, Ashton Payne’s mazy run forward for City being halted with a last ditch tackle.

  The all important winner came following a run down the right by Vale and her shot into a crowded box was blocked. Payne’s follow up shot was also blocked before the ball fell to Barnard who struck a powerful shot into the net, sealing victory to the delight of her team mates.

  Writtle pushed forward, forcing City to defend a number of corners. Copping showed why she is regarded as one of the top keepers in the league by pushing a fierce Writtle shot onto the bar with Barnard hacking the ball clear as City held on to seal the victory.

 
 Both teams contributed to a wonderful display of football, played in the correct spirit which was an ideal advert for girls football.

  Chelmsford City: Copping, Turner, Hill, Twaite, Barnard, Vale, Payne, Woodward, Burton and Edwards.

Referee: Mark Bradshaw (Basildon)