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Northampton 1 v Ladies 1st XI

Match Reports - 29/03/2010

Game	: Northampton 1 v Ladies 1st XI
Result	: 1 - 3
Date	: Mar 27, 2010
Pushback	: 12:30
Venue	: Away - Moulton College
Status	: EHL East

This final game of the season was comfortably won by Chelmsford and confirmed their third place finish in the league. Given the retirement of many senior players last year and the introduction of a number of new players to the squad, this is an excellent achievement for the Greens and affirms their status in the top echelons of England hockey.

From the beginning of this game Chelmsford showed they had the strength in depth to control the match and create goal scoring chances. Coach Alan Lindsay drew on the experience of captain Marie Kirkham and established players but also introduced upcoming youngsters, including Izzy Hare in her debut appearance for the first eleven.

Northampton fought hard on their home ground and after enduring the first quarter of an hour of Chelmsford’s presence in their own half, their front runner broke away. Goalkeeper Lynsey Warren forced the attack to a tight angle and smartly saved the attempt on goal. Chelmsford immediately resumed their goal pressure and after a long unchallenged run Libby Knifton fired the ball into the D. A Northampton defender jabbed the ball into the air and more by instinct than design, Sarah Glanvill got her stick up to the ball which lofted over the keeper to give Chelmsford their deserved lead.

Good midfield control from Rebecca Alltree, Jess Ecott and Becky Budd broke up most of Northampton’s creative play. Kate Maxey regularly sallied forth, turning defence into attack and Sarah Bolton and Kat Letts pressured the Northampton defence.

Chelmsford maintained their superiority through to the half time break and picked it up again after the restart. Every opportunity was taken to cut through the Northampton defence with probing balls into the D but it was an excellent one-two exchange between Knifton and Beth Wild that allowed Knifton to strike home to increase the lead to 2-0. Three minutes later Harri Kinnear ran on to a firmly hit ball into the D and without breaking stride swept the ball into the net to put the result beyond doubt. Northampton’s consolation goal in the last minute did not dampen the satisfaction of rounding off the season with a win.

Chelmsford will now look to continue to build the squad for next season. Lindsay’s investment into the development of the players this season will serve as an excellent platform upon which to challenge for a return to the England Women’s Premier Division.

Chelmsford Forecast

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