Result: Won 2-1
Scorers: T Gore, D Millane
Chelmsford came away from the lengthy trip to Letchworth with a slender, but most welcome, 2-1 victory.
Following a sensational 2-2 draw with likely league challengers Harleston Magpies, Letchworth provided a different challenge. After a 0-0 draw just a few months earlier at the end of last season, Chelmsford entered the game hoping to build on what is already shaping up to be a much improved season.
The match started with Letchworth forcing an uncharacteristically high press at the early stage. Chelmsford weathered it well, and never looked under any genuine or sustained threat. The team looked assured in their defence. Going forward, they began to create good opportunities, inspiring a string of impressive saves from the home goalkeeper. Most notable from a Tom Fanger short corner where the similarities with a flying gazelle were uncanny.
With Chelmsford forcing much of the play, Letchworth were reduced to counter attacking. Wholly against the run out of play, one such attack came after Chelmsford lost the ball high up the pitch, and Letchworth advanced quickly down their right hand side. The attack came with pace and numbers and the ball was worked around the remaining defenders. An empty net beckoned, and the hosts led 1-0, much to the delight of the near capacity home crowd.
The lead was short lived. Ed Fleet picked up the ball in the defensive half, pretended to offer a pass or two whilst simultaneous running in a straight line for forty yards. Letchworth, neglecting to offer a recognisable defence to this relatively limited threat. Fleet slotted a ball to the back post, where an unmarked Tom Gore was on hand to clinically convert from almost a yard. The goal was the teenagers first goal for the first team, and it was well deserved.
The half ended with the scores level at 1-1, which undoubtedly left Chelmsford feeling underwhelmed given what they had offered.
The second half continued where the first half had ended, with Chelmsford in the ascendancy. They were rewarded when Glenn Kirkham picked out Jamie Carrol with a piercing half pitch ball, who first timed the ball to the back post where a sprawling Declan Millane was on hand to launch the ball into the roof of the net. A visually delightful move which gave Chelmsford the lead, and silenced the crowd.
The home side, behind for the first time, began to lose patience with themselves. Tempers were frayed and Chelmsford continued to push for a goal which would likely seal the game. Letchworth stood firm though, and repelled a flurry of attacks from all angles.
With time ticking down, Letchworth began to get a foothold in proceedings. They began to force the game and the pace of the game began to reflect the opening exchanges. With minutes left on the clock, they forced a couple of short corners which were calmly dealt with by the back line. The shift in tempo meant the final whistle was greeted with a sense of relief from the visiting team.
Chelmsford came away from the game with a 2-1 victory, and a deserved three points. They climb to 7th place with 8 points from their 5 games.
Next week Chelmsford play host to high flying, high scoring Bedford.