City made the short trip up the A12 hoping to continue their winning run and keep the pressure on at the top of the table.

Before Sunday's encounter, City were in second place in the table, nine points adrift of leaders, Cambridge based side Pye, but with three games in hand.

Both teams battled to gain territorial advantage in the midfield and United took an 18th minute lead.

A long ball forward found a home striker who placed the ball into the net.

City started to put together some intricate passing moves and looked the more likely to score for the remainder of the half, by going close on a number of occasions but home goalkeeper Louise Murphy stood in their way until Elizabeth Marshall won the ball in midfield.

She laid the ball through to Becky Garner who passed to Julie Purdon who powered a shot home.

After the break, City continued to play enterprising football and in the 49th minute, Keisha Ramos collected the ball just inside Colchester's half and ran through the heart of the U's defence before calmly planting the ball into the net.

City dominated the remainder of the game and were rewarded with a third goal after Ramos had turned her marker.

She floated a cross to the far post where Paula Drane cut inside before making no mistake.

The final scoreline may have been a lot higher but for an inspired performance by Murphy and the crossbar, which City hit three times.

In addition to the league title, City are also still involved in the County Cup and League Cup.

Chelmsford City: Bridgeman, Marshall, Emmerson, Watts, Blundell, Robinson, Garner, Ramos, Drane, Purdon and Gammon. Substitutes: Manns and Hunt.

City Reserves beat Woodham Radars 9-1 in Sunday's Essex County Women's League match, City's goals being netted by Emma Ridings (3), Marianne Gibson (2), Faye Hodge (2), Claire Lodge and Natalie Paul.

Other results

Chelmsford U14 3 (Alder 2 and Lackenby), Haverhill Rovers 5; Burnham Ramblers 3, Chelmsford U13 13 (Madlin 5, Ratcliffe 5, Watts 2 and Homans); Hawkwell Athletic 2, Chelmsford U12 3 (Nepean 2 and Jolly).

Fixtures for Sunday, January 23: City first team v Norwich United (h) at Writtle College, Lordship Road, kick off 2pm. City reserves v Colchester United Reserves (h) at Writtle College, kick off 2pm.

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