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Chelmsford City 5-1 Carshalton Athletic, Monday 26th February 2007, Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre, Kick-Off 7:45pm, Ryman League Premier Division.
Lee Boylan's debut was capped with a goal after just seven minutes, setting the Clarets off to a resounding 5-1 win in front of a four-figure crowd who watched Jeff King's side go top of the table. The prolific marksman endeared himself to the home supporters in super-fast time as he netted from Kezie Ibe's pass to begin another evening's goal-scoring fun for in-form Chelmsford, who leapfrogged A.F.C. Wimbledon and Bromley into first place as a result. Boylan was a late addition to the starting eleven, replacing Jason Hallett up-front, and Hallett dropped to the bench alongside Marcelle Nugent who is still to make his competitive debut. Meanwhile, Bryan Glover came-in for Jay Conroy at right-back. In the seventh minute Ibe supplied the ammunition for the new boy to coolly open the scoring. Six minutes later skipper Ben Chenery headed straight at goalkeeper Aaron Howe from a corner then Ibe dragged an effort wide of the post from the edge of the box shortly afterwards. Somehow Athletic escaped conceding a second goal in the 21st minute, Boylan's initial strike from fifteen yards being foiled and Ibe's goal-bound follow-up was incredibly cleared off the line by a visiting defender. Then the away supporters were frustrated as Rob Haworth was put clean through on goal before being too clever with his finish that didn't threaten Ashley Harrison's goal and they paid the ultimate price in the 25th minute. Boylan's heels were clipped as he attempted to add the finishing touch to a ball into the box but to save any troublesome penalty appeals Fiston Manuella arrived to dispatch the loose ball and double his team's lead. Around the half-hour mark Spencer Knight was set free down the left before executing a low strike across the face of goal and Boylan also snuck in behind the defence once more to shoot narrowly wide. But in first half injury time Chelmsford's third did arrive via the boot of Minton as he slammed home a penalty kick after Ibe was sent flying in the box. The start of the second half saw Carshalton attempt to make a dent in the deficit but on 60 minutes their efforts were in vain. Ibe once again had his legs chopped away from under him in the danger zone and from the penalty spot Minton stepped-up to complete the job he is so well versed in. Four-nil. With the Clarets in full flow it was no surprise when they added a fifth five minutes later. Ricky Holmes forged his way inside from the right wing and his tempting centre was knocked-in at the far post by Spencer Knight from a yard out. Fifteen minutes remained when Chenery tried his luck again, coming forward for a set piece and attempting to get a shot on goal, though he was more successful in teeing-up Ibe for a tasty half-volley which missed the target by a matter of inches as it spun wide. With six minutes remaining substitute Charlie Side ensured Carshalton had something to take away from the trip with a consolation via his head though at the other end Ibe exhibited his close control and almost bagged another for the Clarets, who claimed the three points which lifted them to top spot. City: 1 Ashley Harrison Carshalton Athletic: Aaron Howe, Jeremy Williams, Liam Harwood, David Graves, John Cartledge, David Moore, Mark Marshall, Adrian Toppin, Luke Fontana, Rob Haworth, Alee Jabbie. Subs: Ryan Watts, Jerome Maldon, Charlie Side. Bookings: Carshalton: Toppin (45, dissent). Referee: G. Hoare (Strood). Assistant Referees: S.M. Connor (Great Notley) and M.T. Cook (Black Notley). Attendance: 1,011. City Man of the Match: Kezie Ibe. |
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By
Chris Evans
(Picture by Matt Bradshaw)
