Chelmsford produced an impressive perform ance on Saturday as they beat third in the table Stourport.

Chelmsford, sponsored by Teakglobe Trading Limited, have had some disappointing results against lowly opposition this season but seem to reserve their best for the top teams.

Saturday was no exception as they slotted three goals past the meanest defence in the division.

With a visit to leaders Loughborough Students this Sunday, Chelmsford could still pull themselves back into the title race.

From the off Chelmsford made their intentions clear and attacked the Stourport goal with pace and aggression.

Simon Gittins led the front line well but it was young Adam Hunter who had the early chances from the right wing.

Although he failed to convert either of his two chances, the opening Chelmsford goal was not long in coming.

From Chelmsford's first penalty corner, in the sixth minute, Darryn Gallagher sent his shot goalward and player/coach Craig Fulton crept in at the near post to deflect the ball over the line.

Six minutes later and, by this time, dictating proceedings, Chelmsford added another goal when Fulton and Gittins combined well and found Gallagher at the top of the 'D'.

This time, instead of shooting, Gallagher sent the ball across the face of the ball for Alan Thorogood to deflect the ball into the net.

By now Chelmsford were beginning to enjoy themselves and were playing some free-flowing hockey. Had it not bee for some athletic saves from Stourport goalkeeper Mat Simkin, the half-time scoreline could have been greater.

After the break, Stourport began to fight their way back into the game.

While they were never able to dictate the pace of the game, they started to look dangerous on the break where the pace of their forwards caused some concern to the Chelmsford defence.

Seven minutes into the half, a break released Jamie Westerman into the Chelmsford 'D'.

Although David Carter closed him down, Westerman made no mistake as he slipped the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.

Stourport sensed they had an opportunity to hit back.

However, the game was effectively settled in the 53rd minute when Chelmsford captain Andrew Kennedy slammed a well-rehearsed penalty corner against the Stourport backboard to restore the two goal cushion.

Stourport threw caution to the wind and pushed David Knott further forward from where the former England international showed that there is no substitute for experience with some telling passes.

While Chelmsford defended their 'D' resolutely, there was nothing that could be done about the second Stourport goal six minutes from the end.

Knott collected the ball on the left flank before blasting the ball across the face of the Chelmsford goal.

Whether Westerman intended to place his deflection quite so well will never be known, but there was no doubting the quality of the finish as the ball flashed into the top corner of the Chelmsford goal via the stunned Carter's shoulder.

Although the home side continued to press, Chelmsford only had to endure one more scare but the penalty corner chance went begging.

Indeed, Chelmsford could have wrapped the game up when Gittins found Hunter unmarked at the far post but the ball bobbled agonisingly, for Chelmsford, past the far post.

In the end, Chelmsford coach Craig Fulton was well satisfied with three points and three goals against a defence that had only conceded 11 goals all season.

"Once again, we've shown that we can play attacking hockey against the best sides in this division.

"We can be serious title contenders if we maintain this form and ensure that we produce similar performances against some of the lower teams. All that is missing at the moment is a little consistency."

On Sunday Chelmsford play their last league match before the Christmas break when they visit Loughborough Students for the first return match of the season.

The game starts at 12 noon.

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