Brentwood Town's promotion hopes suffered a setback in the wind and the rain on Sunday as they went down to league leaders Stifford Clays.

Brentwood played plenty of good football but paid the penalty for letting in some soft goals in the first half hour. They went 1-0 down after five minutes when a Stifford forward was first to a corner that a static Brentwood defence allowed to bounce in the six yard box.

Brentwood had a chance to equalise after 10 minutes when Jade Edwards was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot.

Vicki Jenkins kick unfortunately sailed over the crossbar and, as so often happens, the home team's next attack saw them double their lead with a well-taken goal at the end of a slick passing move.

With the fierce wind at their backs Stifford now swept forward and took full advantage of the conditions to grab another two goals with high shots that were carried over the goalkeeper's head.

Brentwood did not let their heads drop, however, and some precision passing from Natalie Beckwith and Rachel Newton showed that the Stifford defence could be breached.

Shortly before half-time a Beckwith pass down the right set Olivia Worsfold free and she cut in behind one defender before beating the keeper at her near post with a firm shot.

Brentwood pushed hard in the second half, trying to force their way back into the game.

Although they had the best of the possession, Stifford were always dangerous when they broke out of their half and it took some excellent covering from the defensive trio of Emma Hooker, Sam Cook and Maureen Mulcare to ensure Stifford did not extend their lead.

In midfield Jenkins, Newton and Vikki Moore were beginning to control play and set up chances for both Edwards and Worsfold before Worsfold got on the end of fine cross from Kerry Mills on the left to fire home.

Shortly afterwards, Worsfold had another shot well saved by the keeper and both Mills and Newton forced her into diving saves but Stifford dug in hard to prevent any further scoring.

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003