MULLINGS AND REES HEARTEN CLARETS
CHELMSFORD CITY moved up to second in the table and extended their unbeaten league run to eight games with a dominant win against Wealdstone.
Two goals apiece for topscorer Shamir Mullings and Josh Rees were more than enough for the Clarets in front of a season record crowd of 1,465.
Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett said after the match that the Stones “shot themselves in the foot thanks to two massive mistakes in the first seven minutes,” an opening that saw the Clarets go 2-0 up in a lightning quick start.
First Mullings latched onto an error from Eddie Oshodi who hesitated in clearing his lines, allowing Mullings to go through and score his eighth league goal of the season.
Rees then doubled the home side’s advantage when he was found on the edge of the area, stroking the ball perfectly beyond Jonathan North and into the bottom corner.
Having not played for two weeks thanks to their early exit in the FA Cup the Clarets looked fresh and revitalised and almost put the game to bed when Mullings headed just inches wide.
Wealdstone plugged away, though, and got back into the match right on half time in spectacular fashion when Jonathan Wright lobbed keeper Ross Fitzsimons from 40 yards out.
City restored their two goal advantage early in the second half when North failed to properly deal with a Robbie Willmott strike, leaving Mullings to smash in the rebound.
And the points were made safe when Rees grabbed his second of the game on the volley. North got both hands to the strike but he wasn’t able to prevent the ball hitting the back of the net.
“I thought we were good value for the 4-1” said Clarets boss, Rod Stringer at full time.
“The game had a turning point with Wright’s goal but after Shamir put us 3-1 up early in the second half it was a good display all round.”
Stones boss Bartlett added: “Chelmsford are big, strong, well organised and it just seemed today wasn’t our day with shots going just wide and hitting the woodwork.
“But if you analyse it now, that’s been three times that we’ve conceded four goals this year and that’s not acceptable.
“My biggest problem is I still believe in the players but I think they’ve let themselves down.”
STAR MAN: Josh Rees (Chelmsford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★