A tough match away for the Ladies 3s heading down to Lee Valley to play Wapping, who are always strong on home turf. It was a mid-table battle in which the winning team would finish above the losing team in the table, so pride at stake.
Wapping came out strongest, quick to the ball, pressuring our defence and within the first five minutes hit an absolute corker of a shot which hit the roof in the top left-hand corner. No chance for our debutant GK Rhiannon to even react. The game carried on with an even pace, and even possession but again a defensive mistake by Chelmsford’s defence was hit upon by a very well drilled Wapping. They took this chance and scored with their second shot on target throughout the game. This made the score 2-0: a harsh reflection on Chelmsford’s play.
Chelmsford still kept positive with some good passing and good defensive tackling from Martha, Lilly, Connie and Danielle. But more pressure from the quick Wapping attack created another opportunity and the pin point accuracy of the forwards created the third shot on goal, completely wrong footing the goalkeeper and putting it right in the corner to make the halftime score 3-0.
A strong halftime team talk by coach Goodridge told the team it was an unfair scoreline and to go out with heads up, fight for possession and just be a bit quicker then the chances will come. The greens went out much more positive and did create some chances but it just wasn’t their day with the ball whizzing past the post or just off target with the final pass.
Wapping just kept capitalising on any mistake or loose ball, forcing new goalkeeper Rhiannon to make numerous saves however when it wasn’t cleared by the defence quick enough they latched onto the loose ball to make the score 4-0!
A physical last 15 minutes but Chelmsford kept fighting to the end. Some great pressure and play from Lauren, Sophie, Jo and Hennie upfront, some great tackling from Danielle particularly in defence and some strong midfield work from Sam.
The pressure paid off and following some quick thinking from Sam in the middle to release the ball to Hennie created a chance. Hennie, on the right wing, drove using her speed and tenacity, crossed the ball quickly and accurately to Lauren who took on the keeper one on one and slipped the ball away nicely for Chelmsford’s only goal. A penalty corner awarded to Wapping saw them score the fifth and final goal.
An undeserved final score line. Wapping did deserve to win just for their absolutely awesome finishing but Chelmsford deserved more than one goal for all their possession and hard work. Player of the match to Danielle for her very strong defensive show. One more game to play when Chelmsford will hopefully to finish the season on a win on 8 April at home against Witham!
Chelmsford: 1
Wapping: 5