CHELMSFORD Ladies first team fought hard and had spells of dominance but lost 4-2 away to St Albans in EHL Conference East.

Poppy Church and Sophie Stock were on target for the visitors but Chelmsford left Hertfordshire disappointed by the scoreline.

Close season signing Church put Chelmsford ahead from a loose ball in the D but St Albans equalised before taking the lead through another short corner.

Saints made it a flattering 3-1 at half-time but Stock reduced the arrears from a short corner. However, the hosts defended their lead.

Chelmsford host Ipswich on Saturday (12pm).