Essex County Under-14 Cup Quarter-Final

Sunday 24^th January 2010, kick-off 1.30pm.

at Marconi Leisure, West Hanningfield Road, CM2 8HN

Chelmsford City 2 Leigh Rockets 0

Two late goals saw Chelmsford City make a winning return to action, thus setting up a semi-final home clash with West Ham United.

  City began the tie in positive fashion and they always looked threatening on the break, only the excellence of the Rockets goalkeeper thwarting an early goal. The visitors soon got into their stride though, and despite being a player short from the start, they made life very difficult for the young Clarets.

  Home 'keeper Christie Lucking also had to be at her best as play rapidly switched from end to end and, with both defences giving little away, the prospect of extra-time and penalties loomed.

  That was until eleven minutes from time, when Sophie Dorrington threaded an inch-perfect ball into the path of top scorer Jennifer Baldock who made the most of the opportunity with a rasping finish into the roof of the net.

  Three minutes later and Chelmsford ensured victory, Baldock's persistence creating a chance for Gemma Plank and she too scored in style with a smart volley from ten yards. 'Girl of the Match' was Jade Harrington who produced a typical non-stop performance in midfield to smother the danger on numerous occasions.

  Chelmsford City: Christie Lucking, Ellie Annan, Hannah Tomsett, Rosanna Critchell, Jade Harrington, Emily Kendle, Laura Massey, Hollie Austin, Olivia Robinson, Karina Fox, Sophie Dorrington, Stevie Bugg, Jennifer Baldock, Gemma Plank.

City Player of the Match: Jade Harrington