CHELMSFORD CITY 4-2 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH | MATCH REPORT

Once again it was an unchanged starting side for Chelmsford as they looked to continue their fine form. Jake Hyde returned to the squad as he was named amongst the substitutes, joining Dunne, Kalala, Hockey and Williams. Robbie Simpson gave a squad update in his post match interview, in which he confirmed the departure of midfielder Callum Watts. He also commented on the fitness of Geofrey Okonkwo and Cameron James, who are both in the final stages of their recoveries.

The Clarets started the better under the sunny Essex sky, as constant threats down the wings resulted in multiple corners, which the Eastbourne defenders dealt with well. But the deadlock was broken through Ruaridh Donaldson, as he scored his first league goal for the club. Oscar Thorn’s throw was cleared but only as far as the Scotsman who rifled in an effort, deflecting slightly off an Eastbourne defender but still flying into the back of the net. That was just the beginning, as the Clarets started to get into their groove, working the ball nicely and almost scoring a wonderful team goal but a deep cross evaded the head of Jordan Greenidge.

However, Eastbourne were presented with a great chance, as the ball fell to Jayden Davis in the box. The Sports’ winger took a snap shot, sending it way over the bar and wasting a good opportunity. Not long after that, it was two and Osman Foyo put his name on the scoresheet once again. He did brilliantly to bring down a long ball from Appiah, laying it to Ruff who then sent him through to finish past Wright. The give-and-go was executed perfectly, resulting in Foyo’s fifth goal of the season. City look destined to get another, immediatly coming forward and looking to make it 3, but unable to capitalise on 3 consecutive corners.

Whilst the attaking had been stellar, there was not too much to do at the back but it was done well. A rare Eastbourne attack allowed Davis to deliver into the box, and Pavey was found. His effort from close range was denied by Paul Appiah, who made an important block as we ticked towards the break. And his good defending was rewarded, as moments later Jordan Greenidge got in on the act. Kane Crichlow won and took a free kick, which found Greenidge at the front post to flick home, as he added goal number three just before the break.

Returning for the second half, Robbie Simpson needed to make no changes but his opposite number switched up tnree players, including taking off former Clarets George Alexander, as his return to Melbourne ended early. Eastbourne hoped the three subs would reduce the three goal deficit, but it was soon four. Sam Gale lofted the ball forward and it fell kindly for Jordan Greenidge, who held off Moussa Diarra before rounding Sports’ keeper Wright and securing his brace. Not long after Ted Collins was called into action, making a good save to deny Eastbourne any way back,

It could have been five or six if it was not for the linesman’s flag, as Osman Foyo continued to enjoy himself and did find the back of the net a further two times. No arguments were made as the Ipswich loanee has strayed the wrong side of the final man. Foyo might’ve been hoping that they’d have counted when he saw the Eastbourne players rushing back to the halfway line. Dominic Odusanya had got his first of two goal following a corner which had seemingly been turned in from an offside position, but Collins’ protests were waved away.

Nonetheless, Ted Collins stayed focused on the task at hand, and was able to produce another good save late on as Eastbourne looked to pile on the pressure for the Clarets. However they did find the back of the net for a second time, as Odusanya netted his second goal off the afternoon, but they were merely consolations as Robbie Simpson’s men marched on and took a sixth straight victory.