Cup holders Chelmsford City negotiated last Sunday's potentially tough fixture to reach the quarter-finals with a professional performance against Colchester United, from the Eastern Region League Premier Division.

After a lengthy inspection, the referee gave the go ahead for the match to be played and credit was paid to both teams who not only put on an entertaining game but played it in a great spirit.

Kicking into a strong wind and with the rain coming down in their faces, Chelmsford applied pressure in the opening five minutes with neat one touch passing.

On 10 minutes, Louise Murphy in the U's goal saved well from Paula Drane, and City took the lead in the 24th minute following good build-up play by Sarah Gammon.

A good cross-field ball by Drane found Danielle Hoy who kept her cool to score from close range.

City extended their lead after 34 minutes following Angelina Robinson's overhead kick on the edge of the penalty area.

The U's defence pushed forward in an attempt to catch City offside, but Vanessa Smith ran through the static defence to beat the hesitant Murphy to the ball and score.

The second half saw City effectively kill off any realistic chance Colchester had of saving the tie.

Kept cool

Robinson fed Drane who threaded a fine pass to Hoy and she in turn kept her cool to calmly tuck the ball into the bottom of the net.

City goalkeeper Michelle Bridgeman dived bravely at the feet of a U's forward while at the other end, Murphy produced at least half a dozen good saves to deny Chelmsford.

She could do nothing about Chelmsford's fourth goal, however, when Drane beat the offside trap and show composure to slot the ball home.

Murphy again denied Hoy towards the end with a good stop but City had already booked their trip in the next round away to either Rainham Town or Romford on January 21.

Chelmsford City: Bridgeman, Marshall (Edwards), Gammon (Garner), Smith, Blundell, Robinson, Purdon, Ramos, Drane, Cole and Hoy.

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