Reigning champions Sough could have been excused for thinking that there were three easy points for the taking at Chelmer Park on Saturday, but Chelmsford had other ideas as they battled for a well-deserved point.

Past history favoured the visitors as recent results have gone their way against Chelmsford, but Slough's form this season has been erratic.

Fresh from a win over fellow strugglers Doncaster the previous week, Chelmsford were determined to build on that result and pull further away from the relegation zone.

Despite enjoying slightly more of the early possession, Slough created few open play chances and relied on their penalty corner routines.

Chelmsford, however, defended against these superbly and were not intimidated by the fact that Slough's penalty corners involved four Great Britain internationals.

Lynn Bollington and Tracey Comber snuffed out the threat at the top of the circle and Julie Parrott was on hand to brilliantly clear the ball off the line.

With Katie Roberts again in excellent form in Chelmsford's goal, Slough enjoyed little success.

The home side looked threatening on the break with Trace Wilmore and Jo Green causing problems for the Slough defence, but neither side were able to break the deadlock before half time.

Chelmsford continued to frustrate Slough in the second half and while defending with discipline and composure, they were able to threaten on the counter attack.

They were unlucky not to take the lead from one such quick break.

Becky Alltree broke from midfield to meet a Wilmore pass.

Her cross was partially blocked but the ball looped up making it difficult for the goalkeeper to deal with.

Tammy Nancoo followed up but was unfortunate to find the angle too tight to convert the chance.

Within minutes Slough took the lead. Great Britain and England international, Jane Smith, once of Chelmsford, set off on a run into the Chelmsford circle.

When she was brought down by a last ditch tackle, the umpire had no option but to give a penalty stroke and fellow Great Britain international striker, Mandy Nicholson, scored from the spot.

Within seven minutes Chelmsford were back on level terms. Wilmore fed Bollington and her pass found Green in behind the Slough defence.

She had her initial effort saved but just as she was about to slot the ball into an empty net she was pushed and a penalty stroke was awarded.

Green picked herself up and kept a cool head to net the equaliser.

The home side continued to play with character and determination and Slough's frustration was highlighted by their attempt to get the game abandoned eight minutes from time due to a floodlight failure.

This failed, along with their attempts to try to win the game.

'Player of the Match' Maria Merrigan epitomised the Chelmsford spirit with some timely tackles and effective blocks.

Chelmsford deservedly held on for a well earned point which lifted them up a place to eighth in the Premiership.

High flying Leicester are the visitors to Chelmer Park on Saturday, but spirits in the Chelmsford camp will be high after gaining a point off Slough for the first time ever in the National League. The game starts at 2.15pm.

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