Chelmsford Highway fought back from a goal down to clinch all three points against Clifton at Bristol University on Saturday.

With the home side needing the points to secure a place in this seasons play-offs the pressure was most certainly on them.

Chelmsford safe from relegation but not in contention for a top four place, entered the contest in determined but relaxed frame of mind.

The first half swung one way then the other, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance.

The visitors began positively, but Clifton upped the pace midway through the half, forcing a series of penalty corners.

Katie Roberts was in good form in the visitors goal and kept Clifton at bay.

Chelmsford looked dangerous on the counter attack with Sarah Fretwell, Jo Green and Tammy Nancoo running intelligently up front to latch onto some excellent passes out of defence, particularly from Nat Hart.

It was from one such break that Nancoo was upended by the goalkeeper to earn Chelmsford a penalty stroke.

Julie Parrott, who otherwise had a faultless game, was unlucky to see her shot come back off a post.

The game remained goalless at half time but Clifton took an early initiative in the second half.

The opening goal came from a penalty corner.

Lisa Wooding made life uncomfortable for her ex-team mates and her flicked shot was saved by Roberts but Denise Marston-Smith followed up to convert the rebound.

Chelmsford seemed to be shaken by the goal and for the next 10 minutes they looked ragged as they lost their shape and were fortunate once or twice not to fall further behind.

However, they gradually got themselves back into the game and began to pressurise the Clifton defence.

Captain Jo Green pulled her side back level when Kath Fordham slipped the ball to her at a penalty corner and she drove it hard into the Clifton net.

After this the game changed completely.

The Clifton players seemed to lose confidence and concentration and Chelmsford swarmed forward sensing a winner was within their reach.

Chelmsford forced Clifton into a series of defensive errors and had several opportunities to take the lead before they finally netted the winner six minutes from time.

Hart took a free hit just outside the area. The ball seemed to act like a pinball inside the circle before finishing off in the home sides goal with the final touch for Chelmsford coming from Nancoo.

It sealed a fine victory for the Essex side and put them in good spirits for their H.A. Cup quarter final match against Hampton-in-Arden the following day.

Chelmsford captain Jo Green, who scored her side's first goal on Saturday.

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