Result: Loss 2-3
Scorers: L Falzon, A Went
The ladies 1XL opened with great velocity against Southgate putting them under pressure immediately, making some great turnovers of the ball which were fed through to Kate Robinson for a chance at goal. After a few changes from the bench we continued to keep Southgate in their half creating many goal scoring opportunities. However, after only 20 minutes Southgate scored the first goal of the match from a great run from Southgate’s midfield player.
Keeping our heads up we continued to attack Southgate’s goal when an opportunity arose from a great pass by Nicole Hull at the top of the D to Tilly Arulampalam who was free on the right. Unfortunately, the ball hit a player on the way towards the goal keeping the score at 0-1.
The grit and determination from Chelmsford continued with a great interception from Sophie Green, on one of Southgate’s short corners, who then ran the ball the length of the pitch towards the D. After a previous re-bound Kate Robinson hit the ball at the goal with a fabulous reverse which unfortunately hit the post and went wide.
Half time came and with some inspirational words from our captains Kate Taylor and Sophie Green, along with our coach Kaye Goulding we were motivated more than ever to turn the game around in Chelmsford’s favour.
However, Southgate continued to pressure the Chelmsford D, and managed to score a second goal from a tap in on Chelmsford’s back post, despite a great save previously from Chelsea Claridge. This in no way wavered Chelmsford’s confidence, with Lucy Falzon scoring our first goal of the match to make the score 2-1. Knowing we were still in the game helped us to power through with great pressure on Southgate’s defence by our forwards, along with strong defending by Annie Steingold and Holly Cardwell on the left and right respectively.
Southgate however were taking no prisoners and after a tough battle down the pitch managed once again to score on our post making the score 3-1.
With only minutes left we knew we had to focus and keep the ball in the Southgate half to create as many opportunities as possible. A great ball through was given by Nicole Hull from the right side-line, to Abi Barrett on the top of the D. The ball was sweeped across the goal to Alex Went who was waiting on the post ready to make a brilliant deflection into the goal. The score stood 2-3, after which the final whistle went to Chelmsford’s disappointment, giving Southgate three points moving into next week.
A close game for Chelmsford with a slightly disappointing outcome, but some great play by all involved with positives to take into next week with our away match against Wimbledon.