In a disjointed display, Chelmsford Hockey Club opened their Division One campaign with a disappointing defeat at St Albans on Sunday.

The start of the game was delayed for an hour as umpire Leo de Salis failed to arrive, although the teams and spectators were indebted to replacement Phil Everett who raced to the ground after several frantic telephone calls.

Whether this delay affected the players is hard to tell, but Chelmsford were certainly half asleep when St Albans opened the scoring after only 53 seconds.

Ian Hammond finished off a well rehearsed routine when he deflected a penalty corner past Dan Tilley in the Chelmsford goal.

Against a side who looked far better prepared in every way, Chelmsford struggled to impose themselves on the game.

Nevertheless with player/coach Craig Fulton prompting from the midfield, St Albans had to be wary of the threat.

In the 15th minute, Fulton made ground down the right before unleashing a shot at goal, but it was Alan Thorogood who had the final touch as he controversially deflected the ball at shoulder height into the net.

The home side responded by creating numerous chances that were either squandered or saved by an inspired Tilley.

With first choice goalkeeper David Carter still on England Under 21 World Cup duty, the first few games of the season are Tilley's opportunity to show what he can do and, with many more performances like this one, he will give the Chelmsford management an interesting selection dilemma when Carter returns.

Despite his heroics, Tilley was eventually beaten in the 21st minute when Hammond deflected home a long pass across the pitch. The only surprise was that this proved to be the last goal of the game.

Chelmsford battled gamely, but were unable to make much headway as they too frequently relinquished possession.

The result was a scrappy, end-to-end game that might have pleased the spectators, but was no source of comfort to Fulton after the game.

"Ours was a very disjointed effort. We lost possession far too often for my liking. There is room for improvement in all areas of our game," he commented. "On the positive side, it's very early days and I know we are capable of much more."

This Sunday Chelmsford have their first home match of the season when newly relegated Bournville will be the visitors. The game starts at 1pm at Chelmer Park.

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