Full-time: Brentwood Town 0–0 Chelmsford City
Brentwood Town and Chelmsford City played out a goalless draw at the Brentwood Centre Arena in the Clarets’ opening pre-season fixture of 2025-26.
Angelo Harrop marked his first match in the dugout as City manager by fielding almost two entirely different teams in either half against the Istmian Premier outfit, with a mix of new signings, trialists and academy players all being handed valuable game time.
Key moments in the friendly included Jack Barham coming close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, while City academy goalkeeper George Coton made a smart close-range save in the second period to help preserve his side’s clean sheet.
Chris Haigh, Kian Ronan, Ben Tompkins, David Longe-King, Dom Odusanya and Shiloh Remy all made their debuts in Claret during the opening 45 minutes, with academy players Jack Camina and Lewis Hayes also featuring from the start.
Forward Barham was lively in and around the hosts’ penalty area during the first half and went closest to scoring when he fired a shot wide in the 8th minute. Later, he latched onto a ball behind the the Brentwood defence and delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but Camina was unable to apply a decisive touch.
Harrop made wholesale changes for the second half, with Joe Grimwood and Taylor Clark being introduced alongside the array of trialists and academy players who featured in the closing 45 minutes.
Coton, who was introduced at half-time, was called into action in the 64th minute when he reacted sharply to claw away a Brentwood cross that was deflected towards goal. At the other end, academy prospects Lester Ward and Kai Torres combined when the latter’s headed effort on target was well saved.
City’s pre-season preparations continue this weekend, as Championship side Queens Park Rangers visit Essex on Saturday. Click here to purchase your tickets.
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