Chelmsford City 4 Hutton 2
Sunday 19^th April 2009 at Marconi Leisure, kick-off 2.30pm. Essex County Girls League Under-13 Division A.
  Chelmsford City’s ever-improving under-13s produced another in a string of top performances to see off a more than useful Hutton side on Sunday.

  The Clarets put in a strong all-round team effort from which they almost got a dream start, Gemma Plank firing just wide with only ten seconds on the clock. City then endured several shaky moments in defence and were lucky not to concede. The opening goal arrived on twelve minutes through a superb move involving Plank and strike partner Sophie Dorrington. The former put over a tantalising cross from the left and Jade Harrington raced in to hit an unstoppable volley past the ‘keeper. However, the visitors were soon on the attack and levelled five minutes later with an equally impressive strike from the edge of the area. It soon got worse for the young Clarets when Hutton scored again with a smartly-taken goal to round off some good approach play.

  Parity was restored after 26 minutes when Leanne Miles’ quick free-kick found Plank who made no mistake with a cool finish. At times Hutton struggled to contain the menace of Plank and Dorrington, this being highlighted a minute after the break when ‘Girl of the Match’ Dorrington cut in from the right before blasting her shot just inside the post.

  Back came Hutton though and a succession of corners brought out the best in Chelmsford’s defence, Christie Lucking’s handling again proving decisive.  

  City gave themselves breathing space 14 minutes from time when Dorrington freed Plank who once more hit the target with real assurance. The hosts weren’t able to relax and Hutton could and should have reduced the arrears, missing a couple of decent chances, but thankfully Chelmsford rode their luck to gain the reward of maximum points, each and every player contributing to the cause.

 Chelmsford City: Christie Lucking, Jade Murrell, Leanne Miles, Ellie Annan, Emily Kendle, Ailish Hunt, Karina Fox, Jade Harrington, Sophie Dorrington, Hollie Austin, Gemma Plank.

Player of the Match: Sophie Dorrington

Referee: Roger Barnard (Chelmsford).