City women fire six past Rovers
5:45pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
Eastern Region Women's League Division One South
Barton Rovers 1 Chelmsford City 6
WITH the title already secured, City (pictured above) dominated this final game of the season, which was played in stifling heat on Sunday.
Barton, already relegated, proved stubborn opponents, getting bodies behind the ball and defending stoutly. Barton's keeper had to stay alert on a couple of occasions to race off her line and block efforts before holding on well to another Sharon Brownlie shot.
It was the softest of goals which saw City take a deserved lead on the half-hour, when Brownlie's speculative 30-yard effort bounced over the keepers head and into the net.
Six minutes later, the visitors were level when what was virtually a carbon-copy shot by Barton's Angela Scerri caught City's keeper Leanne Topper off her line. Despite a good attempt, Topper was unable to keep the ball out of the net.
A minute later, Barton's keeper got down well to block a Laura Brown effort, with Michelle Davis putting the rebound over the bar from close range.
The next attack saw City restore their lead following superb work by Emma Wells on the right. Her near-post cross into a crowd of players was diverted into the net by an unfortunate defender.
The message to the team at half time was to be patient and continue with the possession. They continued to dictate the play after the break and extended their lead in the 60th minute. Brown showed good control and skill to beat the defence before sliding the ball past the advancing keeper.
Six minutes later, Ridings' tenacity on the right saw her cut inside to net a fourth, adding her second two minutes later after a good passing move.
Brownlie and Davis combined with an interchange of passes before Ridings timed her run and latch onto a defence-splitting pass to score.
City's superior fitness was now evident as traffic remained one-way, Laura Kendle heading over from a corner and Brown's attempted lob going just wide.
Natalie Madlin came off the bench and her fresh legs caused problems for Barton's tiring defence. She rounded off the scoring with a right-footed shot from the edge of the area.
After the final whistle, City were presented with the league championship trophy in front of an appreciative crowd and special presentations were made to City stalwart Elizabeth Marshall, who is now retiring after 16 years at the club.
Goals: Emma Ridings 2, Sharon Brownlie 1, Luara Brown 1, Natalie Madlin1 and an own goal.
Chelmsford City: Leanne Topper, Elizabeth Marshall, Zoe Taylor, Laura Kendle(Catherine Hyland), Amy Vernon, Emma Wells, Sharon Brownlie, Michelle Davis(Natalie Madlin), Lucy Garrett, Emma Ridings and Laura Brown(Sarah Jolly).
Under-10s
Chelmsford City 8 Assandun Vikings 0
Chelmsford City: Courtney Green(c),Aimee Turner, Gaby Hill, Katrina Dougal , Melanie Woodward, Anna Copping, Melissa Burton, Sophie Vale, Ashton Payne & Charlotte Barnard.
Essex County Girls League
Chelmsford City U12s 0 Little Thurrock Dynamos 7
In their last match of the season, Chelmsford City came up against stiff opposition in the form of league champions Little Thurrock Dynamos.
City started brightly, but just could not cope with the visitors' pressure.
Chelmsford City's player of the match was awarded to midfielder Sophie Dorrington, who had a great game in the heart of the midfield.
Chelmsford City: Christie Lucking, Hannah Tomsett, Ellie Annan, Leanne Miles, Jade Murrell, Karina Fox, Sophie Dorrington, Emily Kendle, Olivia Robinson, Laura Massey, Ailish Hunt and Gemma Plank.