Having dispatched league leaders West Herts' in the opening fixture of 2012, the Blues were hoping to extend a five game undefeated streak against former National League side Chelmsford.

Cambridge were quick to show their intent, employing a solid press from the outset. The tight marking of the home sides trio of midfielders gave Cambridge the first goal scoring opportunity of the match, with Sam Grimshaw’s shot cleared off the line. Grimshaw continued to make a nuisance of himself up front, shuttling between the opposition's centre halves, though his enthusiasm sometimes got the better of him as he managed to obstruct his own right back.

It was Chelmsford who took an early lead, however, breaking up the right hand side and sliding a pass across the face of goal for a simple tap in. Undeterred by this setback, Cambridge stuck to their attacking style, which seemed sure to pay dividends.  While a penalty stroke following a foul on Charlie Bennett was tipped onto the post, only moments later the scores were levelled when a fantastic counter attack gave Grimshaw his 5th of the season, before the umpire called half time.

After the break, Cambridge began to take control of what had been a pretty even contest. The back four of Way, Styles, Cairns and Harrison were dominant, in spite of dogged Harrison having only been judged fit in the pre-match warm up. The University’s press prevented the visitors from building any sustained passages of possession, and the Blues made incisive forays towards the Chelmsford goal. Rupert Allison led the way with a dominant display in the centre of the midfield, and the Chelmsford support crew were increasingly muted as a second goal for Cambridge seemed inevitable. Cairns shot just wide of the right hand post after a terrific forward run before Bennett saw his one-on-one saved by the Chelmsford goalie. It seemed only a matter of time, as the Light Blues won short corner after short corner, however the persistent pressure failed to translate into goals and the home side had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Despite failing to convert multiple opportunities in front of goal, the draw extended the Blues’ recent streak as they build for Varsity.  Meanwhile, the Wanderers beat league whipping boys Harpenden 3-0 in a strong display, while a struggling Squanderers side lost narrowly to Dereham.