Full time: Chelmsford City 1-1 Hampton & Richmond
Chelmsford City picked up their first point of the 2024/25 season as Jake Hyde’s header cancelled out Alfie Williams’ opener at the EMJ Community Stadium.
Robbie Simpson made 2 changes from the 2-1 defeat at Slough, as Kane Crichlow and Ike Orji were replaced by Jake Hyde and new signing Sam Gale. Sam arrived on loan from Gillingham in the week, whilst fellow loanee Osman Foyo joined, who made the bench.
The Clarets looked to cut Hampton open early as Charlie Ruff was the architect. His searching ball was aimed towards striker Jake Hyde who was making his first start for the club. Hampton’s Chelsea loanee Ted Curd claimed well as Ruff’s ball evaded Hyde.
The next chance was gifted to the Clarets by Kristian Campbell, as he entered the book giving away a foul. Debutant Sam Gale picked out the head of Jake Hyde who cushioned the ball back to Callum Watts but he struck wide.
However, Hampton grew into the half. A short corner routine allowed Bunmi Babajide a snap shot, which Ted Collins was alert to as he palmed the effort over the bar before punching away the following corner.
A water break commenced and Alan Julian’s side struck right after. Hampton drove into the box, forcing Ted Collins into yet another save but unfortunately for the Clarets shot-stopper, Alfie Williams was waiting in the wings and put his side ahead.
Hampton continued to push, carving out a near identical chance just minutes later as the ball fell kindly to Jake Gray but he missed the target from just a few yards out.
The Clarets ended the half with a flurry of corners, but nothing that the Hampton defence was not up to standard with as they protected their lead and headed into the interval leading.
HT CCFC 0-1 HRBFC
With the second 45 underway, disaster almost struck for the visitors as a Sam Oguntayo cross was cleared onto the crossbar by one of their own defenders before, much to Alan Julian’s relief, the ball was cleared.
At the hour mark, Robbie Simpson turned to his bench for a triple change, including introducing Osman Foyo for his Chelmsford City debut after joining on loan from Ipswich Town.
Moments later, Foyo worked his magic as he battled with Campbell who was all too eager and got himself booked once again, being served his marching orders.
Osman Foyo seemed to be the dangerman as he cut through the Hampton side multiple times, including stinging the palms of Ted Curd before Jake Hyde’s rebound was saved.
Jake Hyde would find the back of the net eventually, but not after Hampton boss Alan Julian was sent off following 2 yellow cards in 2 minutes.
The Clarets won a free kick and Ryan Blackman executed it perfectly, finding the head of Jake Hyde who glanced the ball into the bottom corner past Ted Curd.
One last chance fell the way of the visitors, as a corner caused danger seeing Charlie Ruff clear off the line before Ted Collins instated his authority, claiming the ball.
FT CCFC 1-1 HRBFC
The games are coming thick and fast for City and it will be Monday night football at the EMJ Community Stadium, as Tonbridge Angels are the visitors.
Chelmsford City XI: Collins (GK), Donaldson (Kalala 62′), Watts (Foyo 62′), Blackman (Tamplin 90+2′), Hyde, Penney, Ruff (C), Oguntayo, Hockey (Crichlow 62′), Williams (Akanbi 77′), Gale
Unused substitutes: None.
Yellow cards: Oguntayo, Penney, Blackman
Hampton & Richmond XI: Curd (GK), Campbell, Atkinson (Brissett 53′), Keeya, Roberts (C), Gray, J.Taylor, Babajide, A.Taylor (Hunt 77′), Wiltshire, Williams
Unused substitutes: Davies (GK), O’Keefe
Yellow cards: Campbell, Roberts, Julian (Manager)
Red cards: Campbell, Julian (Manager)
Match Officials: Tommy Breen (Referee), Reece Pinchback (Assistant Referee), Sam Wigington, (Assistant Referee), Dennis Torres Miranda (Fourth Official).
Words by Josh Lowe
Cover image by Roger Robinson Photography
Attendance: 683
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