CLASSY CLARETS TOPPLE LEADERS
CHELMSFORD CITY moved up to second in the table with a victory over league leaders Yeovil Town thanks to Charlie Ruff’s goal.
Chelmsford boss Robbie Simpson said: “I’m delighted with the win and we have a real focus on what we expect from each other. Well done to our fans who played their part in the victory.”
Yeovil manager Mark Cooper did not mince his words. “We had lots of the ball but we didn’t spark up front until the last 1520 minutes. We’ve conceded a calamitous goal and I expect my goalkeeper and defender to deal with it and that’s the difference.”
Both teams started brightly and former Leeds winger Jordan Stevens tested the palms of City’s keeper Henry Gray early on and Jermaine Francis also tested Joe Day’s reflexes when he reacted quicker than Jay Foulston.
After a quick start, the game settled into a pattern with Yeovil having more possession and City looking for counters from Jermaine Francis and the running in behind of George Alexander.
City kept Yeovil to long-range efforts such as the shot from Glovers skipper Matt Worthington which Henry Gray tipped over the bar.
Jermaine Francis then perhaps should have given City the lead right at the end of the half but the Grenadian international dragged his shot wide.
A heavy shower interrupted the flow of the game in the second half but it also made it more stretched, especially when Yeovil brought on striker Alex Fisher.
Another attacking sub saw Yeovil introduce Will Dawes and his effort from Frank Nouble’s cross was blocked on the line by Finley Barbrook.
A couple of minutes later City took the lead when Ben Brookes’ cross was headed away to Jermaine Francis who headed back into the box. Joe Day and Morgan Williams hesitated and Charlie Ruff got in between them on the
line and scored to send the home crowd wild.
Soon after Yeovil thought they had equalised when Nouble nodded on Sam Pearson’s cross for Fisher to head off the underside of the bar and in but the flag was up for offside.
City had a great chance to seal it in injury time when substitute Ody Alfa forced Joe Day into a brilliant save with his legs. STAR MAN: Finley Barbrook (Chelmsford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★