Full-time: Salisbury 1-3 Chelmsford City
Chelmsford City wrapped up back-to-back away victories with an impressive display on the road at the Ray Mac Stadium.
The Clarets started fasted, with Kane Crichlow netting a first half brace, continuing his fine form after he wrapped up a hat trick last weekend. His goals today made it 5 in his last 3, and 11 for the season.
Joe Rye added a third midway through the second half, netting his first Chelmsford City goal before Salisbury applied pressure late on, pulling one back minutes after a Ted Collins penalty save.
Simpson decided to revert to the starting side from the 4-3 win at Farnborough, with Bland and Wilkinson returning to the bench after replacing Valentine and Hyde on Monday night. Valentine returned to the right wing after missing Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Hemel Hempstead. Likewise, Jake Hyde returned up top.
Valentine was involved from the off, driving into the box less than 30 seconds in and giving the Clarets something to shout about, but the referee waived away any penalty shouts. However, it was not long until the net was bulging, with Kane Crichlow opening the scoring. A deft flick on from Jake Hyde found Crichlow, who fired into the feet of Ruff before the give-and-go was completed, allowing Crichlow to fire past Byrne.
An energetic first half continued, with controversy up next. Charlie Ruff won the Clarets a free kick, before Salisbury’s Finn Tonks got involved in some after. Tonks was adjudged to have made contact with Ruff’s face, after seemingly shoving him in the face. Referee Martyn Mitchell discussed with 4th official Benjamin Williamson, before dismissing the Bournemouth loanee.
The Clarets made the extra man count and soon had some great chances. Archie Tamplin delivered a clipped ball to the back post where Jazzi Barnum-Bobb headed goalwards, only for Rhys Byrne to reply with a great save. He was called into action immediately after as well, with Nico Valentine being denied.
With less than 5 minutes to go in the first half, the Clarets did double their advantage. In a fairly similar move to the first goal, Crichlow played a give-and-go, this time with Jake Hyde, before finding the back of the net. The Bermudian’s effort crashed in off the bar and ensured the Clarets went into the break with a comfortable lead.
Neither side had any chances of any note for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but Archie Tamplin danced through 3 Salisbury defenders to win the Clarets a free kick. Sam Oguntayo executed the delivery to perfection, finding Joe Rye who saw his initial shot saved before he turned in the rebound for his first goal in Chelmsford City colours.
There was still more drama left in the game, with Salisbury the team with the chances. A free kick brought a penalty, as Jacob Bland was adjudged to have fouled Sommerton. Salisbury’s joint second top scorer Noah Coppin stepped up and was denied. Ted Collins dived to his left, but his trailing foot saw him pull off a brilliant save, and his second penalty save in a row.
However, after Collins’ penalty heroics, he could have no say in the Salisbury goal. Karlos Gregory’s goal was one right out of the top drawer, as he found the top corner from the edge of the box. His strike could only go down as a consolation, with the Clarets taking the points.
Chelmsford City head into an Essex Senior Cup Semi-Final against Canvey Island 3 games unbeaten, following 2 impressive away wins. Tuesday night’s game is followed up by a return to the EMJ Community Stadium next Saturday, where Torquay United are the visitors.
Salisbury XI: Byrne (GK), Tonks, Ragguette, Leggett, Sommerton (C), Perez (Coppin 46’), Watts (Dore 72’), Fitchett (Fasanmade 70’), Gregory, Brown, Elliot-Wheeler (Hedges 79’).
Unused substitute: Silva
Yellow cards: Hart (Assistant Manager 21’), Gregory 63’, Watts 72’, Coppin 85’
Red card: Tonks 18’
Goal: Gregory 89’
Chelmsford City XI: Collins (GK); Barnum-Bobb, Rye, Barbrook, Oguntayo (Edwards 72’); Blackman, Tamplin; Valentine (Bland 67’), Ruff (C) (Donaldson 80’), Crichlow (Wilkinson 67’); Hyde (Greenidge 76’).
Unused substitutes: none.
Yellow card: Bland 81’
Goals: Crichlow 4’, 42’, Rye 64’
Match officials: Martyn Mitchell (Referee), Thomas Hedges (Assistant Referee), Manny Chandwani (Assistant Referee), Benjamin Williamson (Fourth Official).
Attendance: 704
Words by Josh Lowe
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