Chieftains title charge continues

Chelmsford Chieftains defeated Lee Valley Lions 12-4 to edge closer to the ENIHL Division Two South title.

The home side scored four goals in each period in a match which was tougher for the Chieftains than the score suggests.

Danny Hammond gave the Essex side the lead with his first of four goals on the night, whilst Jerry Pavlus found the net on three occasions.

Lions' consolation came from being the first away side since October to hit more than three goals at the Riverside.

Despite the victory, Chieftains head coach Dean Birrell was less than pleased with their defensive display.

"I'm not overly happy about conceding four goals, as I felt we left [net minder] Ben Clements out to dry at times and made too many mistakes from the defence," he said.

"[But] overall it's a 12-4 scoreline and we've got to be happy with it."

The Essex outfit have a crucial weekend ahead of them, with a home and away encounter with second-placed Vectis Tigers, who are on 10-match unbeaten run.