Canterbury 4 Chelmsford 3
With Canterbury's crop of 5 England Internationals not available it gave the chance to others to stake their claim for a place in the squad for this seasons National league campaign. Canterbury gave 1st XI debuts to new recruits Clair Brown [Joined from Clintonville], Kirsty Chapman [Joined from Maidstone], youngsters Grace Balsdon, Georgina Hoare & 16 year old goalkeeper Becca Smith.
It was Chelmsford who took the lead from their first penalty corner on 10 minutes. A good save by Smith from the first shot but she was unfortunate to see the rebound deflect off of a Canterbury player to sneak over the line.
Canterbury drew level on 19 minutes from another set piece won after great work by Sarah Kerly. The initial move broke down but Jen Wilson recovered well and crossed for Jen Milne to poach Canterbury's equaliser.
On 23 minutes Canterbury took the lead when 14 year old debutant Grace Balsdon brilliantly intercepted the ball and her pin point pass found Wilson in the circle who neatly rounded the goalkeeper to give the home side the initiative.
Canterbury increased the lead on 26 minutes, this time created and scored by the other newcomers to the team - Clair Brown working wonders on the right hand side to find Jen Wilson on the base line who crossed for Georgina to score.
The home side were seemingly still celebrating when Chelmsford got back into the game 2 minutes later & on 31 minutes they drew level from another penalty corner. Again Becca Smith in goal was equal to the first shot but unable to keep the rebound out.
After works by by coaches at half time the second half wasn't as open but Canterbury won the game with a goal on 52 minutes. Great work by Jen Wilson to find Natasha Brennan who beat two Chelmsford defenders effortlessly and put through Kerly on the keeper, Kerly then rounded off a great display with a neat touch past the oncoming goalkeeper to give Canterbury a deserved victory.
Canterbury entertain Ipswich on Saturday [11.45am start] in their final pre season game before the league starts on the 22nd away to Manchester side Poynton.
Canterbury Squad : Smith, A Brown, C Brown, Chapman, Kemsley, Stewart, Milne, Wilson, Brennan, Drybrugh, Kerly, Balsdon, Hoare