RIDLEY League leaders Chelmsford City are suffering some familiar end-of-season jitters after a smash-and-grab raid by neighbours Compasses.

It was around this time last season that Margaretting Black Bull’s title ambitions were upset by four successive defeats, leaving them only a point clear of Little Waltham SC at the finish.

Happily for City, they have only two fixtures left and a nine-point lead, but they looked strangely out of sorts as they fell 4-0 behind.

However, they dug in to delay their first overall defeat - Des Vickers (City) and Martin Compton (Compasses) hit 180s.

They also owe a debt to Red Beret, who took seven points off Waltham. Linda Hart notched a rare singles win over Jenny Kochan – then partnered Anna Kirk to take the women’s point against Jenny and daughter-in-law Louise, the Kochan girls both scored maximums.

Third-placed Chequers got back to winning ways against City Birds, with Steve Hills’ 116 finish (19, treble 19, double top) the pick.

Dog & Partridge are fourth, leapfrogging Black Bull with victory in all but the mixed pairs. Andy Cole’s 15-dart leg was the best of the night.