Chelmsford City progressed to the cup final for the second successive year, following a nail-biting game on Sunday at Writtle College.

Chelmsford opened the scoring on 23 minutes in rather bizarre fashion.

Sue Osborne drove a low 30 yard shot which skimmed off the wet surface and looked an easy save for the Barking goalkeeper, but the ball slipped between her fingers and into the net.

In contrast, Chelmsford goalkeeper Michelle Bridgeman had a fine game, and blocked a fierce drive from Barking's top scorer Rachel Pudney, in a rare attempt on the City goal.

After the break, both teams continued to serve up a superb game for the drenched supporters and City extended their lead ten minutes into the half.

Following a succession of corners, Osborne saw her header blocked on the line but she prodded home the rebound.

Barking pulled a goal back but City soon regained their two goal advantage through defender Angelina Robinson, following a goalmouth scramble.

Robinson and her defensive partners, Elizabeth Marshall and Lisa Blundell, worked hard to snuff out the threat of the visiting strikers but could do nothing to prevent Barking netting and reduce the scoreline to 3-2

At the other end, Paula Drane did well on the left before drilling a low left foot cross into the six yard area, where Carly Manns was on hand to keep up her record of scoring in every round of the competition for the last two seasons and make it 4-2.

Barking then netted two goals during a five minute spell to draw level at 4-4 and so set up a nail-biting final.

With seven minutes left, Chelmsford scored what proved to be the winning goal when Drane rifled a shot over the goalkeeper's head and into the net.

Both teams put on an excellent display of football in appalling conditions and the match was well refereed by Mr John Hopkins, who never once had to show a card in a game that was a fine advert for women's football.

Chelmsford City: Bridgeman, Marshall, Harris, Osborne, Blundell, Robinson, Gammon (Shepherd), Featonby, Drane, Purdon, and Manns (Nethercoat). Unused substitute: Doble.

Sunday March 14 sees Chelmsford City first team travel to play Bluebirds while the reserves entertain Colchester United Reserves at Writtle College (kick-off 2pm).

City under 13 Cougars visit Stanway, the under 12's are at Perry Street, the under 11's are away to Hawkwell Athletic and the under 13's Bobcats are at home to Wivenhoe at Writtle College (kick- off 2.15pm).

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