CHELMSFORD ladies’ first team secured a fine 3-1 away win against Ipswich in a hard-fought, high-paced EHL Conference East derby.

The visitors missed an early chance and Ipswich scored from open play.

But Chelmsford attacked and following an Ipswich foul Emily Davies set up Tori Clark for the equaliser.

Ipswich looked dangerous early in the second half but good defending helped Chelmsford take the upper hand and they took the lead when Poppy Church scored following a short corner.

Chelmsford continued to press and scored a third through Sophie Green’s bullet shot from in the D.

Chelmsford host Maidenhead on Saturday (noon) in their final match before the winter break.

Chelmsford’s men saw their match against Ipswich rained off, but the ladies’ third team beat the weather and Southend & Benfleet to secure a 1-0 win in Essex Premier.

The match was goalless at the break following an even first half, but the hosts scored following a short corner when a one-two between Eager and Hardon allowed the former to fire a hard shot into left corner.