Hockey: Wooding edges Chelmsford clear

Chelmsford moved one point clear at the top of the Women's National League First Division as they came from behind to beat Slough 2-1 while the overnight leaders, Canterbury, suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Ipswich.

Chelmsford moved one point clear at the top of the Women's National League First Division as they came from behind to beat Slough 2-1 while the overnight leaders, Canterbury, suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Ipswich.

Chelmsford's late winner came three minutes from time from the England international Lisa Wooding. Fiona Greenham had given Slough the lead from a third-minute penalty stroke with Becky Alltree equalising in the 21st minute.

An early goal from Ipswich's signing from Chelmsford, Cathy Gilliat-Smith, paved the way for victory as the former Ipswich captain Leisa King scored just after the interval. For the first time this season Canterbury were goalless as they and Slough lost their maximum point records.

Wimbledon, the Second Division leaders, kept their 100 per cent record with a Fiona Champness penalty corner conversion two minutes from time in their away 1-0 win at Exmouth.

Woking lost their first game, 2-1 at home to Poynton. Third Division leaders Bradford also dropped their first points in a 3-3 draw at home to Southampton.