Late surge not enough to turn it around

Chelmsford started to make good progress on the right and the nippy Russell Williamson was proving a tough opponent for Richard Skelly. City had another half chance after ten minutes when the alert Leon Gutzmore nearly connected with an under-hit back pass but Richard Hurst in the Chelmsford goal came out bravely.

Martin Davies was soon called into action at the other end getting down well to smother at the feet of Ansah Owusu as the visitors started to gain the upper hand. On 28 minutes Chelmsford scored. Williamson combined with Gary Cross, the ball was worked to the right hand edge of the City box and an unmarked Tony Samuels headed home past a stranded Davies. City were visibly shaken and were lucky not to fall further behind in the following minutes when Owusu, Samuel and Williamson all had presentable chances to increase the visitors lead.

City managed to counter on the 40 minute mark when a dipping effort from Tim Wooding was scooped from under the bar by Hurst. From the ensuing corner a deft Collins flick fell to Colin Vowden on the far post but the central defender fired high and wide. With half-time fast approaching Wilde conceded an unnecessary free-kick when he felled Garry Cross deep in the Lilywhites left back position. The City defence failed to deal with Brian Statham’s centre and Ian Wiles bundled in the loose ball.

City re-emerged for the second-half with Shane Wardley on at left back. Che Wilson dropping to right back and Richard Skelly moving into midfield, Tim Wooding making way for the change. In the opening exchanges these changes appeared to even up the contest. Wardley’s extra pace countered the threat of Williamson but with City failing to reduce the deficit Kevin Wilkin replaced Leon Gutzmore who had taken several knocks whilst leading the line to good effect.

Wilkin had only been on the field for a couple of minutes when Clements played Adam Wilde in but his shot was blocked by the ‘keeper. However, almost immediately after having the chance to halve the deficit, City found themselves 3-0 down.

Tony Samuels caught Colin Vowden in possession and surged into the box only to be bundled over by Shane Wardley. The experienced Phil Gray routinely netting the resultant spot kick.

To their credit City refused to throw in the towel and on sixty-five minutes a well struck right foot shot from Adie Hayes cannoned off the inside of the post with the ‘keeper beaten, Wilkin eventually firing over from the ensuing scramble.

David Batch made his final substitution with 20 minutes to go, Warren Taylor replacing Darren Collins, allowing Adam Wilde to play up front alongside Wilkin. With City pushing up Chelmsford were content to play on the break. Gray and Cross combining on 75 minutes only for the former Southend player to fire wide.