Harleston maintained their fine home record with an emphatic win that lifted them to third in the table.

Chelmsford made a strong start to the first half, putting Magpies under lots of pressure, but the defence stayed tight and kept the opposition out of the D.

Magpies then found their feet and started attacking well but when their first chance of the game came the ball found the foot of Lizzie Clymer as she received. Minutes later however she redeemed herself when the ball came to her in front of goal and she found the back of the net. Magpies continued their pressure on the Chelmsford defence and another breakthrough came when a good run by Georgie Minta forced a foul by the defender and Magpies were awarded a short corner. A well struck shot from the top of the D by Emma Lee-Smith then made it 2-0.

The second half continued as the first half finished, with Magpies in full control. Chelmsford continued to attack when possible, but Magpies' defence stayed strong and kept clearing the ball.

With Chelmsford playing higher up the pitch, the Magpies forwards had lots of space to attack into. Magpies then won another short corner and again Lee-Smith found the net after a deflection off the goalkeeper.

A few minutes later the same player found herself in front of goal and confused the keeper with a dummy shot and then rounded her for her hat-trick.

Chelmsford continued to try and create some chances of their own but with good defending and some good saves from Charlotte Lee-Smith, Harleston kept their clean sheet intact.

Magpies are away to Bedford at the weekend.