A sensational start to the game saw Chelmsford net arguably the fastest goal of the season, after only 20 seconds.

Lucy Garrett and Claire Hunt combined with the latter splitting the defence, Emma Ridings calmly netting.

Sharon Brownlie had an effort from the edge of the penalty box go wide and a nasty bounce at the last moment caused Garrett to put the ball wide after a good cross from the left by Ridings.

City extended their lead on 18 minutes. Lisa Foakes threaded a fine ball to Ridings who saw her initial effort saved but calmly rounded two defenders to slot home the rebound.

City goalkeeper Claire Pearson kept her nerve to save a Maldon penalty on the half hour while Ridings turned a defender from an Elizabeth Marshall throw before slotting the ball past the keeper on the stroke of half time.

Maldon created a number of chances, which included striking the City crossbar during the opening 20 minutes after the break. On 76 minutes Ridings broke through the Town defence but shot wide.

Two late goals in the 85th and 87th minutes, both netted by Ridings, sealed the points for City. The first saw Ridings finishing a fine cross by Foakes the last a headed goal from a deep Garrett free kick.

This result keeps City in second place in the table and puts them in good spirits for the visit of Rochford Town to City's Barnston AFC home this Sunday (kick off 2pm).

Published Friday October 25, 2002