Fresh from their success of becoming National League Indoor Champions, Chelmsford Highway turned their attentions back to the outdoor game with a convincing victory at Leicester.

Although there were no league points at stake in this friendly fixture, it was a tremendous confidence booster ahead of the resumption of the league season in a week's time.

Chelmsford coach Pete Fordham was satisfied, not only with the result but with the performance of his side. "We made a lot of changes during the game to ensure the whole squad got a good run out", he said.

"Everyone played their part in a tremendous team performance and the chopping and changing didn't affect the flow of our game which was particularly pleasing."

Chelmsford put Leicester under early pressure and gave them no time to settle on the ball.

They consolidated this bright start with a well taken goal inside the opening 10 minutes.

Lorraine Marsden took a free hit just outside the circle and Sarah Fretwell deflected the ball past a helpless goalkeeper.

Leicester equalised five minutes later with a rare attack which penetrated a solid looking Chelmsford defence.

Chelmsford regained the lead on 26 minutes, when a swift sweeping move down the right caught Leicester on the back foot.

Tracy Wilmore fed Fretwell who crossed for Tammy Nancoo who drew the last defender and goalkeeper before sliding the ball across the circle for Lynn Bollington to score.

On the stroke of half time the visitors extended their lead and again it came from the right.

Wilmore took a quick free hit and with the Leicester defence nowhere to be seen, Becky Alltree swept the ball home with just her second touch after coming on as a substitute.

With the luxury of a two goal cushion the Essex side controlled the second half.

Tracy Goodchild and Maria Merrigan stood firm at the heart of the Chelmsford defence and on the two occasions they were beaten, young Amy Harvey made excellent saves on her debut in goal for the Chelmsford first team.

Chelmsford's passing and movement caused problems for the Leicester defence and captain Jo Green netted a fourth goal for her team.

Her initial shot was saved but when the rebound came back to her she coolly finished with a shot into the roof of the net.

Tracey Comber rounded off a great team performance when she converted from a slipped penalty corner.

It was a marvellous result which made last Saturday's journey to the Midlands worthwhile.

Getting away . . the Chelmsford player (light shirt) bids to get past a Havering player in Saturday's match between the clubs' respective fifth elevens at Chelmer Park.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.