Full-time: Chelmsford City 0-0 Weymouth
Chelmsford City and Weymouth played out a stalemate at the EMJ Community Stadium in both teams’ final game before Christmas.
Each team hit the woodwork in the second period following an uneventful first half, which was marred by an injury to Terras player Charlie Rowan. Kane Crichlow’s effort from close-range bounced off the post and was cleared away from danger in the 61st minute, while Weymouth came close minutes later when Ted Collins impressively tipped Jake McCarthy’s header onto the crossbar.
Saturday’s game marked Collins’ first National League South start since October. In other changes from last week’s game against Hampton & Richmond, Alfie Bendle started in place of Jacob Bland in midfield, while Bradley Williams played on the wing instead of Osman Foyo.
There was little goalmouth action during the opening 25 minutes of the proceedings, in which City played against the heavy wind and rain. Play was then paused for around 15 minutes following an injury to Charlie Rowan, which he sustained after a collision with Jordan Greenidge. Rowan was eventually stretchered off and replaced by Corey Jordan, while Greenidge was forced off at half-time.
The closest opportunity of the first period fell to Terras man Christie Ward, whose sweetly struck volley from the edge of the penalty area went a few yards over the crossbar.
Both teams had opportunities to earn three points in a more end-to-end second half of football. Crichlow came closest to opening the scoring for City in the 61st minute when Charlie Ruff’s cross dropped his way at the back post. Crichlow’s deflected shot had the beating of goalkeeper Will Buse but bounced off the post and away from danger before it was cleared by Jordon Thompson.
Moments later, McCarthy had Weymouth’s best chance of the afternoon. McCarthy got up highest from a corner kick and headed an effort towards goal, which Collins impressively tipped onto the crossbar.
Crichlow had City’s clearest two openings during the final 20 minutes of the match; however Buse was equal to both the Bermudian’s shots on target.
The goalless draw at full-time brought the Clarets’ two-match losing run in the National League South to an end and saw Robbie Simpson’s side keep their first clean sheet since September.
City return to action on Boxing Day when they travel across the Dartford Bridge to face Welling United, managed by former Chelmsford City boss Rod Stringer.
Chelmsford City XI: Collins (GK); Barnum-Bobb, Appiah, James (C), Oguntayo; Penney, Bendle (Donaldson 90+1′); Williams (McConnell 78′), Ruff, Crichlow; Greenidge (Hyde 46′).
Unused substitutes: Bland, Babajide.
Yellow cards: Appiah 45+8′, James 45+12.
Weymouth XI: Buse (GK); Hamblin, Rowan (Jordan 41′), Thompson, McQuoid (C) (Greenwood 90+3′), Goodship, Robinson, McCarthy, Brooks (Genesi 87′), Ward (O’Connell 77′), Bartolo (Linton 45+10′).
Unused substitutes: none.
Yellow cards: Brooks.
Match Officials: Matthew Norton (Referee), Bogdan Khymich (1st Assistant), Thomas Wyatt (2nd Assistant), Benjamin Bowles (Fourth Official).
Attendance: 564
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