Full-time: Chelmsford City 0–0 Bromley
Chelmsford City and a Bromley XI played out a low-key pre-season affair at the Dunmow Group Community Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw.
Both sides had chances to break the deadlock, with Clarets goalkeeper Chris Haigh keeping the visitors out on at least two occasions across the afternoon. City were denied a half-time lead after Joe Grimwood’s header was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up to the goal.
Jack Barham came closest to opening the scoring in the second half after going through on goal, but Bromley shot-stopper Dillon Addai stood firm to keep him out.
Midfielder Tom Lapslie marked his return to the pitch after more than a year on the sidelines by leading Angelo Harrop’s side out at CM1 ahead of kick-off. Lapslie completed the first 17 minutes before making way for Archie Tamplin in a planned substitution.
During the opening 15 minutes, the visitors came within inches of scoring when they struck the woodwork. Bromley’s No.11 cut inside and curled an effort towards goal, which clipped the post and went behind for a goal kick.
The Ravens then tested Haigh again in the 25th minute when their No.40 saw his shot on target take a deflection, which the Clarets’ goalkeeper was equal to.
For a moment, it looked like City would take the lead into half-time when Grimwood got on the end of Harry Barbrook’s corner. His header beat former Chesham United goalkeeper Addai and found the net, but the referee quickly disallowed it for a foul on the goalkeeper in the build-up.
Bromley started the second half more brightly and tested Haigh again early on, forcing him into a sharp save at his near post.
City began to grow into the half, with Barham heavily involved in his side’s attacking play. In the 67th minute, he delivered a dangerous cross that Trialist A controlled, however the forward was unable to guide his shot on target.
Barham then went through on goal three minutes later after latching onto Josh Castiglione’s through ball, but his effort was comfortably stopped by Addai.
Unable to find a breakthrough, Harrop’s side were forced to settle for a goalless draw. Attention now turns to Tuesday’s trip to Witham Town, which is the penultimate fixture of pre-season.
Chelmsford City XI: Haigh (GK); Ronan, Grimwood, Longe-King, Barbroook (Ward 57’); Lapslie (Tamplin 16’), Clark; Remy (Castiglione 66’), Hedges (Trialist A 46’), Corbett (Murphy 75’); Barham.
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