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Worthing 0-2 Chelmsford City, Saturday 24th February 2007, Woodside Road, Kick-Off 3:00pm, Ryman League Premier Division.
City moved up to third in the table thanks to second half goals from Jeff Minton and Kezie Ibe which sank ten-man Worthing at Woodside Road. A trio of clean sheets accompanied Chelmsford's third straight victory and ensured Jeff King's side capitalised on the postponements of their rivals' games elsewhere to set-up a potential table-topping scenario if a win can be achieved against Carshalton Athletic on Monday night in Melbourne. The Management Team's single change to the side that trounced Walton & Hersham was enforced, with Spencer Knight replacing the injured Chris Duffy at left-back. Taking Knight's place on the bench was goalkeeper Richard McKinney as he continues his recovery from a finger injury. Worthing's recent form had been inconsistent and they were languishing at the wrong end of the table as they struggled for numbers due to injuries and suspension. Their hearts were in their mouths early-on when a scramble in their goalmouth was eventually collected by goalkeeper Rikki Banks. Then, in the 6th minute, Mario Noto attempted to catch Banks out with a strike from an angle which buried itself into the near side-netting. At the other end, Worthing's Jamie Brotherton was presented with a supreme chance on 10 minutes but despite an open shot at goal in front of him he was flagged offside by the Assistant Referee. Attacks in the first half were rare though Noto registered another effort just before the half-hour mark, watching his free-kick towards the top corner nervously palmed wide by the Rebels' goalkeeper. After the break the action began to liven-up with Jason Hallett, full of confidence after his hat-trick last weekend, chesting the ball down and spooning a 49th-minute effort over the bar. However, two minutes later, City's Ibe was held back in the 18-yard box and Referee Mr S. Lewis pointed to the penalty spot. In customary style, Jeff Minton stepped-up to slam home the spot-kick near the middle of the goal to open the scoring. Skipper Jamie Lawrence diverted a header narrowly wide shortly afterwards for the hosts though frustration then got the better of left-back Mark Knee who fouled Hallett and received his second yellow card in the process, earning him a 57th-minute dismissal. A minute before the hour the Clarets took full advantage of their superior numbers, Ricky Holmes floating a throw-in to Fiston Manuella and he rolled the ball into the area for Ibe. The in-form striker's first touch was sublime and it set him up for a shot on the turn which rifled into the net, doubling Chelmsford's lead. Moments later Worthing's response arrived in the shape of Andy Alexander's header which just cleared the crossbar though the visitors continued to look for more goals and Minton played the ball in to Noto ten yards out who allowed the ball to pass behind him before swivelling and shooting too high. Worthing provided more attacking threat to Chelmsford as time ticked away and Lawrence again went close in the 73rd minute courtesy of a rocket that deflected just over, though there was never any doubt as to the destination of the points and City went home happy. City: 1 Ashley Harrison Worthing: Rikki Banks, Joe Keehan, Mark Knee, Jamie Lawrence, Andy Alexander, Andy Lutwyche, Danny Davis, Lee Day, Omari Coleman, Jamie Brotherton, Tom Lawley. Subs: Daniel Morris, Stuart Axten, Paul Rogers, Karl Akehurst, Roy Pook. Bookings: City: Manuella (31, dissent), Ward (60, handball). Worthing: Knee (17, foul and 57, foul), Lawrence (23, foul), Davis (56, foul), Brotherton (68, kicking the ball away), Coleman (84, foul). Sent Off: Worthing: Knee (57, second bookable offence). Referee: S. Lewis. Assistant Referees: M. Thompson and E. Turner. Attendance: 538. City Man of the Match: Ben Chenery. |
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By
Chris Evans
(Picture by Matt Bradshaw)
