PL - 27/8 Chelmsford City v OCFC

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Chelmsford win 2-0 ( att : 852 )

[ChrisB]

Chelmsford 2-1 City (Att.: 675)

[Mark Neal]

Chelmsford 1-1 City. 678 ATT

[Deleted]

Highlights of Chelmsfords last game away:



Former Stortford Manager Rod Stringer Comments on the game:

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Chelmsford 1 City 2
Attendance: 720

[Padz]

Chelmsford 0-2 City, 610

[Deleted]

Chelmsford 2-2 City att 702

[hedges]

2-1 to Chelmsford
450 att

[Rijs]

We have a battle on our hands, on and off the field. On it today, we were at times outclassed and out-muscled by a bigger, stronger Chelmsford team. Missing the injured Lee Henderson (broken fingers) we looked lightweight and inexperienced at the back, but somehow we kept the Clarets out for most of the match with a mixture of brave defending and blocking, the saves of Stevens, a couple of goal-line clearances from Robbie Cundy and Freddie Grant, and riding our luck generally--they hit the post in the first half and the bar in the second. In truth Chelmsford could have won by more, yet their goals were both fortunate--the first seemed to be the result of a chaotic defensive error and the second followed a push on a City defender by Jeffers immediately before he shot under Stevens. At that stage I thought we were going to get a good hiding, but we were better in the second half and ended by dominating the last fifteen minutes or so. However, the final pass kept letting us down.

Some players put in a good shift, especially the midfield and Ofiosu (must have got that wrong) when he came on, but a few didn't have the passion and didn't make any impression. Poku never gave up, Davies always looked good on the ball, and Grant did well despite getting pushed around a bit. But we lacked penetration up front and a big central defender (Poku being sent there in the end, which helped).

It isn't just a case of taking a while to gel, though: we don't have as good a team as we've had in the last two seasons, and we don't have the money to improve it. So it's a rearguard action from the underdogs every time we take the pitch, and we have to adjust as supporters to a very different situation from the one we faced before. The only way out is through hard work and determination, fighting spirit and pluck on all sides. We shall soon see who is up for it.

[Deleted]

One of the only positive things we could take out of that performance was glimpses of the City from last season just before Rod Stringers water break in the first half.
After soaking up early pressure we had a spell where our passing was good and we were looking dangerous. We had a number of corners trying to find Connor's head when he was being marked by a six foot nothing number six who calmly nodded everything away. Towards the end of the game we were inches wide from a direct free kick which was well won for pressure. But have to agree as soon as I heard Henderson was out, I was not apprehensive about the strength of the defense, against a very big Chelmsford side. And then we haven't got a multitude of players of that height on the bench to choose from. We are able to look for loan deals (its not totally stagnant off the pitch) One player was on his way to us,only to be offered a better deal at his club, that is the problem as far as strengthening is concerned we will be limited to short term loans when we can get them. However back on the pitch. And far too many long balls without accuracy being hit far too long and going out of play. Stevens,Cundy and Grant did their best to keep the score respectable and were part of United's development squad
who were very good last season. Yes a silly mistake for the first goal, but they more than made up for that with goaline clearances and some excellent saves from Stevens. This has to be matched up front and yes we looked dangerous at times but always seemed one man short of an attack.
More bad news with The Oxford United Number two keeper being called up on international duty, so Stevens could be called back. But Michael Appleton who I met and spoke to after he first took over seems a very genuine guy, and knows the difficulties we are in so hopefully we can reach an agreement that suite's everyone. They have a few more I would not mind seeing play for City and our Coaches will be looking at all options but they did have a few injuries recently and are busy strengthening when this happens there could be more possibilities. Tommy Winters injury continues to frustrate him and us,missing another key player. Although Kynnan tried his best but often finding himself outnumbered or no one to cross to, who wasn't being Marked by 3 defender's. Its easy for heads to go down with all the difficulties we have had at the club, what is harder is to go again stand up and get back into it something we did well last season. As for fans its easy to travel to a game and back when your winning, but very difficult in adversity. But you are needed ! To give as much support as you can so please make an effort For Gosport at home on Monday.