Full-time: Chelmsford City 1-0 Aveley
Osman Foyo’s first half header secured Chelmsford City’s second consecutive National League South victory and a perfect start to 2025.
Sam Oguntayo set up Foyo’s 13th goal of the season, which separated City and Essex rivals Aveley at the break.
Both teams had chances to add to the scoreline in the second half. Kane Crichlow and Charlie Ruff could’ve doubled City’s lead, while Hamza Bin-Semakula and Razzaq Coleman De-Graft threatened to equalise for the visitors.
Paul Appiah returned to the starting XI, partnering Frankie Edwards at centre back on his home debut after captain Cameron James missed out due to a back injury. Alfie Bendle dropped to the bench to make way for Ruardih Donaldson in midfield, who made his first start since October.
The Clarets started the game brightly and were denied in the 7th minute by Aveley goalkeeper James Holden. The Millers’ shot stopper saved Crichlow’s effort from 12 yards out, with Foyo providing the cross from the right flank.
Aveley almost responded immediately when Josh Anifowose flashed a dangerous ball across the six-yard box. However, none of his teammates could apply a decisive touch on the cross, much to the relief of Robbie Simpson’s back four.
The Clarets regained control of the match after this close call and were rewarded six minutes before half-time. A free kick won by Jake Hyde was delivered dangerously into the Aveley penalty area by Sam Oguntayo. The full back’s wicked cross was met by the head of the unmarked Foyo at the back post, who put City ahead.
An indifferent second period of the match came to life in the closing stages of the half. Foyo nearly turned from scorer to provider in the 70th minute when he set Crichlow through on goal. However, with only Holden to beat, Crichlow placed his shot wide of the post.
The Clarets nearly paid for Crichlow’s miss when Aveley had two good chances in quick succession. Bin-Semakula bent a dangerous free kick towards goal in the 72nd minute, but his effort clipped the top of the crossbar. Just minutes later, Anifowose delivered another threatening cross, which this time found Coleman De-Graft in the box, but his low shot narrowly missed the target.
City ended the game strongly and were unfortunate to not increase their lead on numerous occasions. Charlie Ruff had the ball in the back of the net in the 82nd minute when he converted Donaldson’s quickly taken wide free kick. However, the goal did not stand after referee Jack Bloxham signalled that the set piece needed to be re-taken.
Later on in the match, Jake Hyde was denied twice by Aveley defenders. Passes from Ruff and substitute Kalvin Kalala nearly found the striker in space, but both balls into Hyde were intercepted to prevent him from having clear sights of goal.
City held firm in five minutes of added time to secure their first win of 2025, their second consecutive National League South victory and a third straight clean sheet. Simpson’s side are back in action on Saturday with an away clash against Enfield Town.
Chelmsford City XI: Ted Collins (GK); Williams, Appiah, Edwards, Oguntayo (Barnum-Bobb 68′); Penney, Donaldson; Foyo (Kalala 90+1), Ruff (C), Crichlow; Hyde.
Unused substitutes: Bendle, McConnell, Bland.
Yellow cards: Oguntayo 57′, Kalala 90+4, Ruff 90+4.
Aveley XI: Holden (GK); Ring (C), Bin-Semakula, Giles (Akanbi 81′), Kabongolo, Carlyle (Beadle 85′), Uche, Anifowose (Aileru 82′), Kawa, Coleman, Owen.
Unused substitutes: Allen, Leathers.
Yellow cards: Beadle 90′.
Match officials: Jack Bloxham (Referee), Oliver Sadd (Assitant Referee), Charlie Roberts (Assistant Referee), Mario Stetakovic (Fourth Official).
Attendance: 868
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