Reserves Coach Elliot Thompson has labelled the 3-1 victory against Earls Colne a “learning curve” for his players.
In their latest outing, the City side secured their fourth Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Division victory in four matches.
Marc Stephan’s outfit managed to do so after going a goal behind on the Melbourne Park 3G, with Conner Randall sending a spot-kick beyond Sam Kingston.
Despite going a goal behind early on, the Reserves grew into the game and after Reggie Gregory had gone close by hitting the bar after a quarter of an hour, Abraham Eze bagged on 22 minutes.
Just past the half-hour mark, Gregory added the Clarets’ second and Alfie Gilbey added the third in the second half to finish the scoring.
Speaking to chelmsfordcityfc.com after the game, Thompson said: “It was very well fought. I thought they played well, particularly for about 60 or 70 minutes in the middle.
“We took our chances well, managed the game and I think the players gave a good account of themselves against a good team, to be honest.”
Thompson was also pleased with the resolve that the Reserves had shown in fighting back from a goal behind.
“We were hoping for a clean sheet tonight and, obviously, to be done by a penalty they were a little bit gutted about, but these things happen,” he said.
“They showed good character to come back, there were some good finishes, they attacked well, defended well and we couldn’t really ask for much more.”
Despite the relatively comfortable scoreline, though, Earls Colne did have a spell of dominance in the second half, which gave Thompson food for thought.
He explained: “I think we could have managed the game out a little bit better, we were trying to get the message out to the boys about managing the game out when you’re 3-1 up.
“They did cause us a few problems, not really any chances, but they put us under a bit of pressure.
“I think if we would have managed the game a bit better, we probably wouldn’t have seen that but it’s a learning curve for the boys.”
Interview by: Ben Parks
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