Letchworth Ladies were beaten 2-1 at Chelmsford seconds and are still not sure of avoiding the drop. Letchworth now need to win at least two games to stop being drawn into the relegation zone. They are currently suffering from a lack of quality finishers

Letchworth Ladies were beaten 2-1 at Chelmsford seconds and are still not sure of avoiding the drop.

Letchworth now need to win at least two games to stop being drawn into the relegation zone.

They are currently suffering from a lack of quality finishers and will need to improve in this area when they face top of the table Cambridge City this weekend.

The seconds, bolstered by the return of injured players Helen Barrett and Jenny Thomas, recorded only their second win of the season.

Jenny Stroomer scored as they won 1-0 at Bedford seconds but still remain bottom of the Five Counties League Premier Division.

There was another narrow victory for the third XI, Deborah Wren scoring against Bedford thirds.

The fourth team remain just above the relegation zone in Division Four after a 4-2 defeat to Broxbourne fourths (Jo Pinn two).

Stevenage Ladies gained a second consecutive 3-2 win as they defeated Gillingham Anchorians for the first time since entering the East League.

Gillingham made a fiery start and caught Stevenage on the back foot as they made some penetrating attacks through the middle of the field. Despite some resolute defending and solid keeping from Lisa Pickard, Anchorians took an early lead.

Stevenage settled and the pressure paid off when joint player of the match Jude Weston made a great run forward, carving up the Anchorians defence to create a one-on-one with the keeper.

She fired a magnificent under-cut into the backboard to level.

After half time, Anchorians gained the upper hand with a penalty corner routine giving them the lead for the second time.

Stevenage kept to their game plan and worked tirelessly to create goal-scoring opportunities. The reward came when skipper Carly Seaton drove a free hit into the D for Kath Phoenix to cleverly deflect into the goal.

With 10 minutes remaining, Stevenage pulled ahead as joint player of the match Lucy Harvey fired home the ball from the edge of the circle.

Stevenage remain sixth in the table with five matches to be played.

The seconds enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win over Saffron Walden seconds.

Goals came from player of the match Tash Howe (two), Debbi Church and Maria Pellizzaro.

The third XI consolidated their place in Division Two with a 3-0 win over Chess Valley seconds.

Their first goal came from regular fourth teamer Annabel Reilly.

Kate Scorer then set up top goalscorer Nicki Reynolds who was on hand again with her second of the match when defender Claudia Strickland made a great run up the pitch before pulling the ball back.

Blueharts Ladies played two of the top teams in their league at the weekend.

On Saturday, they faced St Neots who they had narrowly lost to earlier in the season and played with grit and determination to secure a well-deserved 0-0 draw.

Neither side played their best hockey and there were missed chances at both ends.

The Blueharts defence, led by player of the match Sally Mack at sweeper, fought hard to keep a skilful forward line from scoring.

On Sunday, Harts played a rearranged game against Harpenden who sat second in the league.

They had the visiting side on their back foot, scoring early from a penalty flick taken by Carol Lamey.

Harts held this lead until well into the second half with some brilliant passing play in midfield by Lizzie Bayley, Erin O'Boyle and Jo Floor and great attacking play by Kerry Ross and Tamzin Alderson up front.

Harpenden equalised late in the half and stole the points with a well-taken short corner, played out after the final whistle to the disappointment of the home side.

Their seconds won 3-1 against Vauxhall Chiltern thirds.

A well-taken goal from Lorna Slack was followed by one for Helen Sadler and then Susie Powell's awesome strike.

Vauxhall's consolation came in the second half from a short corner.