Chelmsford City, sponsored by Olympic Introductions, gained maximum points at Writtle College on Sunday against lowly Luton.

Chelmsford were without four regular players and made a positive start in this Eastern Region League Premier Division match, but were unable to penetrate the Luton defence during the opening period.

That was until the 11th minute when Julie Purdon headed the ball into an empty net after Tammy Carless saw her high cross evade the goalkeeper and defender.

It was 2-0 after 24 minutes after Paula Drane cut back inside her marker to deliver a cross into the six yard box where Carly Manns netted.

Five minutes later, Drane almost extended the lead when her cross was tipped onto the bar by the keeper but no-one was on hand at the far post.

Ten minutes after the restart, Drane had a good opportunity to score but she mis-hit her shot from Mann's cross. A minute later, Drane was put away but the keeper closed her down well to save.

A third City goal came in the 75th minute after Angelina Robinson's long clearance upfield went over the Luton defence and Drane's pace allowed her to race away and tuck the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

Drane was again thwarted by the Luton custodian and both Faye Hodge and Carless had efforts cleared off the line before the final whistle ended a fine City display.

Chelmsford City: Doble, Marshall, Shepherd, Shirley (Harris), Carless, Robinson, Garner, Featonby, Drane, Purdon and Manns (Hodge).

Chelmsford City Reserves1, White Notley 1

Chelmsford, sponsored by Milan Europe Sportswear, passed the acid test against arch rivals White Notley with flying colours, battling out a hard fought draw at Writtle College.

The breakthrough came White Notley's way, with a good finish from the left to open the scoring.

Only smart goalkeeping from Clare Pearson, a superb goal line clearance from Karen Pushman and the woodwork saved Chelmsford from going further behind.

City edged their way back into the game and Emma Ridings went close but was denied by a point blank save after being set up by Jones.

The equaliser was soon to follow with Ridings breaking away and coolly slotted the ball into the net.

City began the second half well, but were unable to force the important breakthrough.

Notley always looked dangerous on the break but thanks to faultless performances from Pushman and Karen Corley, ably supported by Dawn Campbell-Harvey and Claire Lodge, the defence held firm.

Hudd and Ridings both had good chances to clinch the match for Chelmsford during the closing stages but were denied by superb goalkeeping while, at the other end, Pearson had to be at her best to deny Notley at the death racing off her line to clear from an onrushing forward.

Chelmsford City: Pearson, Campbell-Harvey, Corley, Pushman, Lodge, Hudd, Jones, Gibson, Watts, Paul (Cook) and Ridings. Unused substitute: Barnard.

Chelmsford City fixtures for Sunday November 22: City First XI v U.G. Sports (Harlow (a); City Reserves v Colchester Utd Reserves (a); City Under 14s v Sawbo (a) and City Under 12s v Perry Street (h) at Writtle College, kick off 12.45pm.

Chelmsford City Under 14s recorded a fine 9-0 Essex County Girls League win over Brentwood Ursuline on Sunday, Charlotte Smith (4), Darel Poole (3), Ellie Hughes and Justine Reynolds the scorers.

In the Under 13 section of the Essex County Girls League, City Cougars thrashed Chalvedon Chimes 15-2, Helen Alder netting 12 goals, Hayley Thake two and an own goal completed the rout.

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