Canterbury Ladies 0 Chelmsford Ladies 0

SKIPPER Mel Clewlow believes Canterbury need to win three of their remaining four matches to be sure of a place in the EHL Premier 1 play-offs.

The point gained from fellow play-off hopefuls Chelmsford kept Canterbury in the fourth and final qualifying spot, three points clear of Slough, and five in front of Bowdon Hightown.

Canterbury still have to travel to Slough as well as facing Olton, Trojans and Harleston Magpies and Clewlow feels they can probably only afford to lose once more.

The skipper said: "I think the top two have got away now but there are probably four of us going for the other two places.

"I reckon if we win three of the four games we’ll be okay but the crucial match will be against Slough."

Clewlow admitted that Saturday’s match with Chelmsford at Polo was a hugely disappointing spectacle, not helped by the fact the visitors seemed happy to play for a draw.

Canterbury came closest to a goal 10 minutes from time when Clewlow’s short corner strike was deflected onto a post by the helmet of Chelmsford keeper Katy Roberts.

Forward Sam Hughes had missed a good opportunity before the break, slipping the ball wide of goal from close range.

Clewlow said: "We’ve now played three times against Chelmsford this season and not scored which is frustrating.We tried to play but they didn’treally let us. They seem to have a certain style and are very good at what they do but unfortunately it did not make for much of a game."

Chelmsford threatened only rarely, although Jackie Laslett did have to make one smart goalline interception, while returning keeper Nat Westcar also made a smart save from a first-half corner.

Westcar was back in the side for the first time since last season’s European campaign, answering an SOS call to deputise for regular first choice Amy Tran, who was back in America training with the US national squad.

Canterbury are without a game this weekend but face a double-header after that, entertaining Trojans on Saturday, April 2 before travelling to Slough on the Sunday.