A second successive league defeat underlined City’s shortcomings in front of goal as Leigh ran out comfortable winners thanks to their clinical approach in attack.

The Clarets weren’t helped by having several key players either unavailable or playing with injuries, but with a number of new signings imminent along with the returnees, results will hopefully improve in the near future.

Leigh went in front on seven minutes although Chelmsford did have their chances to level, most notably through Gemma Plank’s volley which was held by the ‘keeper and Karina Fox’s drive that agonisingly missed by inches. At the opposite end Christie Lucking kept City in contention with a couple of excellent saves.

However, six minutes into the second-half the visitors doubled their lead with an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. The outcome was then sealed with a further smart finish before a perfectly-taken corner went straight in to round off proceedings.

City’s ‘Player Of The Match’ for City was Hannah Tomsett who produced a typically strong captain’s performance throughout.

City’s next scheduled game will be on Sunday when they entertain Hutton, kick-off 2.00pm.

Match in focus

Chelmsford City: Christie Lucking, Ellie Annan, Hannah Tomsett, Laura Massey, Jade Harrington, Karina Fox, Emily Kendle, Gemma Plank, Sophie Dorrington, Hollie Austin.

City Player of the Match: Hannah Thomsett

Referee: Steve Dorrington (Chelmsford)