Chelmsford returned to action after two frozen weeks with defeat to title-chasing Peterborough, a loss which sees them slump back to the bottom of East Premier A.

The tone of the game was set early on, and although Chelmsford presented a well-marshalled defence, Peterborough rarely gave away possession and were happy to patiently play the ball at the back waiting for a mistake.

The hosts took the lead 10 minutes into the game when their left winger was given too much space to pick out a forward who smartly diverted the cross inside the near post. Peterborough extended their lead when they twice took advantage of confusion in the Chelmsford goalmouth to give themselves a three goal lead at the break.

Peterborough’s patient approach was evident again in the second half, but Chelmsford did at least begin to threaten the opposing goal. A Tom Fanger short corner was expertly turned round the post by the goalkeeper, and Tom Gore was thwarted by a retreating defender after rounding the keeper.

However, Peterborough were always more likely to score, and completed a comprehensive victory when an incisive move down the left which was finished from five yards.

Next week sees a double header for Chelmsford, hosting Harleston Magpies on Saturday before travelling to Ipswich for a crucial six-pointer on Sunday.