NOTLEY YOUTH 0 : 14 CHELMSFORD CITY
OPEN CUP - 2ND ROUND
29th January, 2012
Following last week’s poor performance, City had to defend their Open cup and get some pride back - and they done just that! With some neat football on a 'boggy pitch', seven goals in the first half wrapped up the game. The first goal came after eight minutes from Jack Nicholls, who a minute later got his brace, 0-2. Ronnie Edwards then made it 3-0 and then 4-0. Following a Martell Solarin corner, Notley headed in the own net, 5-0. And just before half time Alex Bowring and Ronnie Edwards made it 7-0.
City changed the formation for the second half, and added another seven goals. Dave Clover made it 8-0. Sam Little 9-0. Will Spires with probably the goal of the game 10-0. Following a goal mouth scramble Charlie Webb made it 11-0. Then to finish off Ronnie Edwards got his fourth, Sam Little got one more to get his brace, as did Alex Bowring.
Squad - Marlow (capt) Edwards R (4 goals) Bowring (2 goals) Little (2 goals) Nicholls (2 goals) Webb (1 goal) Clover (1 goal) Spires (1 goal) Butterfield Spurgeon Calvin Solarin ( unused sub due to injury Martin Barrett)
City progress to the next round where they will meet Halstead Town. City wish everybody at Notley the best of luck for the rest of the season.
WOODBRIDGE TOWN 4 : 0 CHELMSFORD CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
22ND January, 2012
city travelled to play last seasons champions and after last weeks top draw performance were hopefull of repeating it again and getting back on a winning run but it was not to be - although an open first half Woodbridge deservedly came off at half time one up after a strike on 19 minutes.
The second half was more or less one way traffic and although City did have a couple of chances and Dave Clover and Alex Bowring battled very well Woodbridge dominated as City were happy to watch and let the game pass them by, goals in the 4th, 24th and 36 th minute gave Woodbridge the win.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Edwards R Little Nicholls Webb Clover Marlow Butterfield Spurgeon Calvin Spires Solarin Edwards J Warren ( unused subs due to injury Martin)
City know they have to up their game, but im sure they will prove that next week.
CHELMSFORD CITY 3 : 2 CAMBRIDGE CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
15th January, 2012
City started very brightly taking the game to Cambridge and putting them under pressure however against the run of play Cambridge caught the clarets defence out with pace and went 1-0 up. However, as happens so many times in football within a minute the clarets went up the other end and drew level with a goal from Sam Little. The clarets were having the bulk of the ball but Cambridge were causing problems with their pace, in the 33rd minute the Cambridge winger lost his marker and fired the ball against the post with the clarets having a goal mouth scramble firing six shots in a very short period, the Cambridge goal keeper being the hero. Just before half time Jack Marlow set up Ronnie Edwards who hit home to see the clarets go in 2-1 at the break.
The second half see the clarets start in style, breaking from defence, Jack Nicholls crossed to Ronnie Edwards to get his brace and the teams third, 3-1. On 15 minutes Jack Marlow hit a thunderous shot in only to see the Cambridge keeper pull off another magnificent save. For the remainder of the half the clarets changed the tactics as it was obvious that Cambridge were out to attack and get back into the game, on 35 minutes they made it 3.2, but the clarets held out to get the first win of the new year with Charlie Webb breaking down the opposition in midfield on a regular basis and Elliott Warren having a good debut.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Edwards R (2 goals) Little ( 1 goal) Nicholls Webb Hardie Clover Marlow Butterfield Spurgeon Calvin Spires Solarin Edwards J Warren ( unused subs due to injury Martin)
CHELMSFORD CITY 4 : 2 CAMBRIDGE UNITED COE
FRIENDLY
29TH December, 2011
A difficult friendly to blow away the Christmas cobwebs against Cambridge United Centre of Excellence on a 3G astro pitch. United were to play a mix of 15s 16s and trialists, with City having Jack Royston stepping up from the clarets, a trialist and two lads aware they were being watched - so lots to look out for in this game of three periods.
Period one and City started with a 451 formation and looked very comfortable in all areas of the pitch with two goals being scored. Ronnie Edwards manging to get them both, the first following a corner, the second a drive home following a cross ball behind the United defence, 2.0.
Period two and City changed the personnel around and the formation again looking to develop and learn in a friendly game, however this was Uniteds period, with them looking in total control and bagging two goals, 2.2.
Last period and another shuffle of the pack and formation with the emphasis on attack. This was an even period with some very good football being played but City getting two goals. First a lob from Jack Nicholls, then Sam Little broke down the left and placed the ball in the corner, 4.2.
Squad - Nicholls (capt 1 goal) Edwards R (2 goals) Little (1 goal) Clover Spurgeon Butterfield Spires Calvin Solarin Martin Bowring Edwards J Royston trialist Marlow Webb
A good run out for both teams, but a special mention to the two City goal keepers who went in goal at some stage for both teams due to a 'warm up' injury to the United keeper.
CHELMSFORD CITY 1 : 3 BURY TOWN
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
18th December, 2011
City started very brightly with a number of attacks from left, right and middle and looked favourites to get a goal, however, with Bury's first threatening shot City gifted them a goal, 0.1 after 18 minutes. And to be fair could have very easily made it two straight after. City kept pushing hard for a goal, having a headed goal disallowed in the 35 minute and then on the strike of half time Brad Napolitano made the scores level,1-1
City had played very well in the first half but things went horribly wrong in the second, although still pushing for a goal, they were second in the challenge and where happy to watch Bury play around them and in turn Bury got their noses in front, 1.2. And with City changing the formation and pushing forward they got caught and Bury made it 1.3.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Napolitano (1 goal) Nicholls Edwards R Little Webb Hardie Clover Marlow Butterfield Spurgeon Calvin Spires Solarin ( unused subs due to injury Edwards J Martin)
BOWERS & PITSEA 1.1 CHELMSFORD CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
11th December, 2011
Bowers started brightly, however as the game wore on City got more and more into the game looking the most likely to score,however the scores remained even as we went into half time.
The second half was only 7 minutes old when following a City corner, Bowers hit them on the break and went 1.0 up. Although Bowers had a few attacks it was the Bowers defence that was being put under pressure and a back three, changed to four and quickly changed to five to try and hang on the lead. In a fifteen minute spell, City really upped the pace, Jack Nicholls hit the cross bar, Will Spires who was having a superb game, run from the right back role round all the defenders and in on the bye line only to see his crossed 'snatched away' and a number of shots were fired in. However on 33 minutes they got the goal they deserved, Jack Nicholls again hit the cross bar but this time Brad Napolitano was there to hit home 1.1. The goal made it an interesting last 7 minutes with City not content with a point and pushing very hard for 3, but it remained 1.1
Squad - Bowring (capt) Napolitano (1 goal) Nicholls Edwards R Little Webb Hardie Clover Marlow Butterfield Spurgeon Calvin Spires ( unused subs due to injury Edwards J)
CHELMSFORD CITY 1 : 4 WOODBRIDGE TOWN
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
4th December, 2011
City started very brightly and within 60 seconds had gained a free kick on the edge of the area which resulted in a very good save from the Town goal keeper. The pressure continued and on 13 minutes following a run from Dave Clover, Jack Nicholls got on the end of a loose ball and hammered into the top corner, 1-0. City carried on in the same vain and missed a number of chances which they would regret later on. On 25 minutes Town broke down their left and got an equiliser, and with the same type of move, although down the middle, on 37 minutes got the goal to put them in the lead, 1-2. Right on half time the referee see a hand ball that resulted in a penalty that Town drove home, 1-3. Harsh half time score line but Town took their chances.
The second half was played at a high tempo with both teams going for more goals, Town got their reward with a neat lob ( I think!or was it a cross) to make it 1-4. However despite this and the sending off, the first for a City player, City pushed hard and kept the pressure on but Town came away with the points.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Nicholls (1 goal) Edwards R Little Webb Hardie Clover Marlow Butterfield Edwards J Napolitano Spurgeon Calvin Spires ( unused subs due to injury Martin)
CHELMSFORD CITY 1 : 3 WOODFORD YOUTH (TOWN)
ESSEX COUNTY CUP - 3RD ROUND
27th November, 2011
City entertained Woodford in the latest round of the county cup, the teams had met a few times in the past in friendly games that had always been close. City were to call up Liam Barrett from the clarets.
Woodford started well opening the scoring on 6 minutes with the City defence not wanting to pick up their markers, 0-1. The rest of the half was end to end with both teams having chances to score.
City changed their formation to try and get back on level terms, this in turn opened up the game allowing City to win numerous corners and Woodford looking threatening on the break. In the 24th minute Woodford had another free head this time from a corner to make it 0-2, and 6 minutes later with City pushing forward they got caught 0-3. City kept pushing but managed just a consolation goal from Ronnie Edwards, 1-3.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Edwards R (1 goal) Nicholls Little Webb Hardie Clover Marlow Butterfield Edwards J Napolitano Spurgeon Barrett ( unused subs due to injury Martin Calvin )
Everyone at City wishes Woodford the best of luck in the next round. Funny point of the day - Numerous parents pointing out the linesman sending and receiving texts during the game!
CHELMSFORD CITY 0 : 1 BEDFORD TOWN
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE CUP - QUARTER FINAL
20th November, 2011
Quarter final of the league cup, so all to play for - however, although City did nothing wrong they never looked to put Bedford on the backfoot producing only three shots in the first half. At the other end Bedford, although having two great chances did nothing else in front of goal. Bedfords two chances came to nothing thanks to the ball scraping the wrong side of the post and a superb one aginst one save from the City goal keeper Jack Edwards. Although Bedford had a slight edge the half finished 0-0.
The second half was different with both teams looking to get the first goal and if it wasn't for some fantastic goal keeping at both ends it could have easily been a 'silly score'. On 13 minutes City should have scored but were punished as a few minutes later Bedford went up the other end and slotted home, 0-1. During the next 15 minutes City piled on the pressure winning a number of corners and firing off even more shots at goal, however the Bedford keeper was in form and pulled off a number of great saves. The last 10 see City push hard for the equiliser and Bedford trying to catch City on the break but it remained 0-1.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Nicholls Edwards R Little Webb Solarin Hardie Clover Marlow Spires Butterfield Edwards J Napolitano( unused subs due to injury Martin Spurgeon Calvin)
Yet again City finished with only 10 fit players, but no excuses Bedford go through to the semi final and everyone at City wishes them luck.
BILLERICAY TOWN 2 : 0 CHELMSFORD CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
13th November, 2011
As we all observed a minutes silence there was lots of familiar faces but again another new team that City had never played before. City were to see Jim Hyde step up from the clarets.
A close game with two goals separating the teams - one either side of half time allowing Billericay to come away with the win. Billericays second corner of the game see some of the City defence deciding not to mark their men and see the blue shirt rising unchallenged to head home, 1-0. In the second half City changed their formation to try something different but in the third minute a tame shot went in to make it 2-0. City had numerous free kicks in the Billericay half but never tested the goal keeper apart from one that 'shaved' the post and in turn Billericay were happy to see the clock down.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Nicholls Edwards R Little Webb Solarin Hardie Clover Marlow Spires Calvin Butterfield Hyde Edwards J ( unused subs due to injury Martin Spurgeon)
CHELMSFORD CITY 12 : 0 MALDON & TIPTREE
ESSEX COUNTY CUP - 2nd ROUND
6th November, 2011
City had a good day scoring more than a hat full of goals against a Maldon & Tiptree team that kept battling until the final whistle.
First half goals from Ronnie Edwards a brace,Jack Nicholls a brace and Dave Clover - 5.0.
Second half goals from Jack Marlow, Martell Solarin, Charlie Webb,Brad Napolitano, Miles Hardie, Sam Little and another one for Dave Clover to complete his brace.
Squad - Nicholls (capt + 2 goals) Edwards R (2 goals) Little ( 1 goal) Webb (1 goal) Solarin (1 goal) Hardie (1 goal) Clover (2 goals) Napolitano (1 goal) Marlow ( 1 goal) Spurgeon Spires Calvin Edwards J Martin Butterfield Bowring
CHELMSFORD CITY 5 : 0 RANSOMES
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
30th OCTOBER 2011
City welcomes Ransomes Sports to Chelmsford, and following City's defeat last week they were keen to get back to winning ways. City were to give a debut to Jack Edwards with Andy Boden also stepping up from the clarets.
As seems to be the recent 'thing' City started very brightly putting Ransomes under pressure from the first whistle. During the first half City were to win a ridiculous amount of corners and score four goals. Gaol one a free kick from Sam Little that curled into the top left hand corner, 1-0. Ronnie Edwards played a one two off the defender to see the defender put it in his own net 2-0. Ronnie Edwards then got on the score sheet himself, 3-0. And just to finish the half Charlie Webb headed home, 4-0.
Ransoms came out in the second half with a changed formation looking to get back into it, however with the defence being marshalled well by Jake Spurgeon they never really troubled the goal keeper and not winning one corner during the whole game. Jack Nicholls finished the scoring with a turn and drive to make it 5-0 and get the three points.
Squad - Nicholls (capt + 1 goal) Edwards R (1 goal) Little ( 1 goal) Webb (1 goal) Spurgeon Spires Calvin Napolitano Marlow Clover Edwards J Boden Solarin Hardie (unused subs due to injury Martin Butterfield )
Official - 'You have a good squad there and they are a credit to the club'
CHELMSFORD CITY 1 : 2 WIVENHOE TOWN
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
16th OCTOBER 2011
Chelmsford City v Wivenhoe or first v second - on paper it was to be a top clash. City were to give debuts to Mitchell Willis and Liam Barrett who had both stepped up from the clarets. In the opening exchanges City looked the liveliest , however on 19 minutes with their first shot at goal Wivenhoe opened the scoring, 0-1. And two minutes later City gifted Town a second, 0-2. And to be fair to Town they could have added a third when in a 10 second goal mouth scramble they managed to hit the cross bar twice.
The second half was an even affair, but as the game wore on City became stronger, and despite City having to field two injured players, purely to be a nuisance,they managed to get a goal back, with Ronnie Edwards stabbing home following a Sam Little free kick. City pushed hard in the last 10 minutes to get back on level terms with Will Spires in particular managing to pick up every loose ball in the middle of the park, but it was Town who held on to win the day 1-2.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Edwards R (1 goal) Little Spurgeon Spires Calvin Martin Willis Barrett Napolitano Marlow Clover (unused subs due to injury Butterfield Edwards J )
CHELMSFORD CITY 4 : 2 LEVERSTOCK GREEN
AFTER EXTRA TIME (2:2 FULL TIME)
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE CUP - SECOND ROUND
9th OCTOBER 2011
With no clarets and no 14s available City were down to the bare bones - 11 eager players.
THE PLAN - Attack from the start, take the game to 'Green' and see if we can get an early goal.
THE GAME - City did just as planned, 2 strong shots within 2 minutes, and a goal within 3, courtesy of Ronnie Edwards following a through ball from Will Spires. On 8 minutes Green got their first shot at goal and unfortunately it was a goal, 1-1. City however, kept pushing forward on a regular basis but on 25 minutes following some poor defending Green went 1.2 up. The second half unlike the first was very evenly matched with both teams pushing for goals. On 13 minutes Martell Solarin broke through and levelled up the score 2-2. Bearing in mind City had no substitutes Green were then happy to sit back with a flat back 5 to take the game to extra time. A goal in each period see team spirit and fitness win through, goals from Jack Nicholls following some great work from Miles Hardie and the second a header from Sam Little, 4-2.
RESULT - Although we hadn't planned for extra time the lads got the result.
CONCLUSION - With the 'chips' down it was good to see the team pull together, dig in for each other and take the game to the opposition and come away with the result.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Little (1 goal) Nicholls (1 goal) Solarin (1 goal) Edwards (1 goal) Webb Hardie Spurgeon Spires Calvin Martin (unused subs due to injury Butterfield Napolitano )
BURY TOWN 2 : 3 CHELMSFORD CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
2ND OCTOBER 2011
City had an early start with the long trip to Bury St Edmunds, nice facility, but having a number of angry croquet players with their mallets coming towards you is a bit different!
Very open start with both teams showing that they wanted to try and play football, however in the 5th minute City got their opening, the City attackers pressed the blue shirts defence who passed the ball back to their goal keeper, who under more pressure hoofed the ball away - unfortunately for him he put it straight to Martell Solarin who is getting into a habit of scoring unbelievable goals, and he didn't let City down - a half volley from some distance with power straight into the corner of the net, this years contender for goal of the season? 0-1. Ten minutes later and with the City midfield happy to muck about with the ball Bury drew level, 1-1. City then went on to win a handful of corners, one of which was cleared to Charlie Webb who tested the keeper, who was unable to hold the ball and Jack Nicholls was close by to tap home, 1-2. Five minutes later Brad Napolitano pulled the ball across the six yard box, for Jack Nicholls again to tap home for his brace, 1-3.
2nd half and Bury got the perfect start after six minutes beating the City defence with pace and a goal to make it 2-3 and set it up for an exciting last half hour, 2-3. And although Bury probably had the bulk of the ball, they never really tested Joe Taylor, the City keeper who had stepped up from the clarets. At the other end City had their fair amount of chances at goal, winning the second half corner count 3.0, however with all lads having to put in some extra work due to the heat, in particular Jack Marlow who was controlling the centre of the park there was to be no more goals.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Nicholls (2 goals) Solarin (1 goal) Edwards Webb Hardie Spurgeon Spires Calvin Martin Marlow Clover Taylor Napolitano Little
A City supporter ' That's the second time this season they have had their backs against the wall and got a result, last season they would have lost games like this, theyre moving forward'
CHELMSFORD CITY 4 : 1 BOWERS & PITSEA
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
25th SEPTEMBER 2011
City showed that last weeks opening was just a blip as within ten minutes they had a shot cleared off the line and a one on one that went just wide of the post, then on twelve minutes they got their first goal with Ronnie Edwards flicking the ball to Jack Nicholls and with the goal keeper unable to keep hold of the ball he fired home. The game then settled and City found themselves against a powerful wind and in turn changes were needed as Bowers were putting City on the back foot with endless kicks and throws aided by the wind landing in the box. However, as the subs where about to come on and the formation changed Bowers took advantage and got back on equal terms 1.1. With minutes left on the clock Charlie Webb headed on a corner to Sam Little who turned, shot and hit the net, 2.1.
City now had the wind in their backs for the second half and within one minute increased their lead, Brad Napolitano put Sam Little through to get his brace, 3.1. The remainder of the half see Bowers pushing to get back in the game and City again changing to an attacking formation to increase the lead in turn opened up the whole game. Finally in the 32nd minute Brad Napolitano 'teed up' Jack Nicholls to get his brace and City's fourth and another valuable three points, 4-1.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Little (2 goals) Nicholls (2 goals) Edwards Webb Hardie Spurgeon Butterfield Spires Calvin Solarin Martin Marlow Clover Taylor Napolitano
Not the greatest footballing performance but a solid gritty performance from all in claret.
STANWAY ROVERS 4 : 1 CHELMSFORD CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
18th SEPTEMBER 2011
They say in football a week is a long time, so what's 9 minutes then? And for those that were not there in just under 9 minutes City were thumped for four goals, they hadn't turned up! Although Stanway didn't score anymore, City were happy to sit back and watch as Stanway took control.
As in most recent games City changed the formation, with the distant hope that plan B would work, and to be fair the balance of play completely changed. After three minutes Sam Little had a shot cleared off the line, City then won a number of corners, one of them seeing Ronnie Edwards get one goal back after planting the ball in the top of the net with a head, 4-1. City then kept pushing hard to try a salvage something but apart from Jack Nicholls hitting the post it was not to be as Stanway walked away with the points.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Edwards (1 goal) Webb Little Hardie Spurgeon Butterfield Spires Calvin Nicholls Solarin Martin Marlow Clover
MALDON & TIPTREE 2 : 4 CHELMSFORD CITY
EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE LEAGUE
11th SEPTEMBER 2011
The first Eastern Junior Alliance game of the season for the 15s see a trip to Maldon to play a team they had never played before Maldon & Tiptree, although there was a number of familiar faces. Following the minutes silence the game started at a very high tempo.
City in their new all white second strip were playing with a 451 formation, as the thought was this game was going to be won on lost in the middle of the park. City nearly took the lead after 8 minutes following a goal mouth scramble but it was Maldon who got the first goal with a free kick from some distance 1-0. However, City got back on level terms after a break from Ronnie Edwards played the ball to Jack Nicholls on the wing, who following a sprint crossed the ball for Ronnie Edwards to hit home, 1-1. This was followed by another Ronnie Edwards / Jack Nicholls combination, with Ronnie Edwards again hitting home 1-2. Then with the whistle for half time around the corner, Maldon got back into it with a neat tap in, 2-2.
City now had the strong winds behind them and changed the formation to suit. Sam Little rattled the cross bar after 16 minutes. An own goal then put City back in the lead 2-3, quickly followed by another free kick from distance that was put into the corner of the net, 2-4. City had enjoyed the territorial advantage during the half and it wasn't until the 30th minute that Maldon put in their first shot on goal. This though led to Maldon putting pressure on the City defence without really causing any major problems. City held out to see them walk away with their first three points of the season.
Squad - Bowring (capt) Edwards (2 goals) Webb (1 goal) Little Hardie Spurgeon Butterfield Spires Calvin Nicholls Solarin Martin Marlow Clover Napolitano
CHAMPIONS
CHELMSFORD CITY 11 A SIDE TOURNAMENT
4th September 2011
HERONGATE - GROUP - WON 2.0
THURROCK - GROUP - WON 2.0
Another 2.0 win with goals coming from Miles Hardie and Sam Little.
STONES - GROUP - DREW 0.0
On paper one of the stronger teams in City's league however both teams came away with a point as Stones see their chance of going through fading.
RAYNE - GROUP - WON 2.0
Last season Blackwater & Dengie league and cup double winners and due to some odd results City needed at least a draw, however City did it in style with two more goals from Brad Napolitano and a first in a City shirt from Dan Martin - credit must go through to the Rayne goal keeper who saved a City penalty.
DODDINGHURST - SEMI FINAL - WON 3.0
Friends from the past, Doddinghurst who unfortunately for them were standing in the way of City reaching the final - goals from Sam Little , Jack Nicholls and Dave Clover see them comfortably through to the final.
HERONGATE - FINAL - WON 4.0
This was a polished performance from all 15 players that see them again get covered in 'bubbly' as they lifted the trophy.
squad - Edwards ( 1 goal) Nicholls (2 goals) Hardie (1 goal) Little (3 goals) Napolitano (1 goal) Martin (3 goals) Marlow ( 1 goal) Clover (1 goal) Calvin Butterfield Bowring Spires Webb Solarin Spurgeon
FOCUS FERRERS 5 : 5 CHELMSFORD CITY
FRIENDLY
2nd SEPTEMBER 2011
City travelled to East Hanningfield to play Focus Ferrers, last years CYL champions - the managers agreed to play three periods (20 - 20 - 30 mins)
Period one see Focus take the lead with some lightning pace pulling the City defence apart, 1-0. This was followed up by Miles Hardie getting his first goal for City from a rebound, 1-1. And just before the break Focus played their ace card, 'speed' 2-1.
As with all friendlies for City they changed the personnel and formation looking to trial things for the big kick, and although important the result being secondary. Dave Clover headed home to equal the scores 2-2, Brad Napolitano getting a brace to put City 4-2 up and then again 'Mr Speed' made it 3-4.
The last period and again a different formation which in turn brought an onslaught on the Focus goal with numerous shots and a ridiculous amount of corners, however Focus had three chances and scored two of them with Sam Little slotting in a peach of a goal to leave the game at an odd score of 5-5.
Squad - Webb (capt) Napolitano (2 goals) Clover (1 goal) Little (1 goal) Hardie ( 1 goal) Spurgeon Butterfield Spires Calvin Nicholls Solarin Martin Bowring Edwards
Extract from the Focus e mail - It was good to play such a strong, well organized team - you have a good team and I’m sure you will have a successful season
CONCORD RANGERS 7 : 3 CHELMSFORD CITY
FRIENDLY
21ST AUGUST 2011
A trip to Canvey Island to play in Concord's stadium on a hot summers morning provided plenty of entertainment for the supporters with the posts being rattled four times and a feast of goals - some worthy of goal of the month and some worthy of the Christmas bloopers DVDs.
City had Jim Hyde and George Jeakins coming up from the clarets and a trialist in the squad to play 3x30 minutes- The starting eleven took the game to Concord and got the opening goal within five minutes when some hard work from Miles Hardie crossed to find Jack Nicholls to hit home, 0-1. Ten minutes later Jack Nicholls hit the cross bar and although the rest of the game was fast and action packed there were no major goal mouth incidents.
Period 2, and as in the last games City changed the formation. Concord came out of the blocks at full speed and hit City with two goals to go 2-1 up within two minutes, mainly down to some very lazy defending from the claret shirts. Concord then hit the post before Jack Marlow put a neat ball through the two central defenders to find Brad Napolitano to fire his first goal in a claret shirt, 2-2.
Last period and Concord were to hit City with 5 goals in a 20 minute spell that see two great goals, 1 class free kick and again 2 due to City going to sleep! Once the Concord storm had died down, City beleive it or not tried to get back into it, and despite Jack Nicholls and Brad Napolitano both hitting the cross bar and Charlie Webb firing home from a corner kick it was too little too late.
Squad - Marlow (capt) Webb (1 goal) Napolitano (1 goal) Nicholls (1 goal) Spurgeon Bass Butterfield Spires Little Clover Hardie Calvin Jeakins Hyde Trialist
HITCHIN TOWN 2 : 7 CHELMSFORD CITY
FRIENDLY
19TH AUGUST 2011
Clarets took the trip to play a new team to the EJA league, Hitchin Town - the game was to be played on 3G astro with stands on two sides, so a good set up, no excuses!
Within two minutes City had won two corners following pressure from the left and in the fourth they opened their account with a goal from Sam Little, following some nice play from Charlie Webb, Andy Boden and Ronnie Edwards. The signs were good, three minutes later Sam Little got his brace to make the score 0-2.Four minutes later and the goal of the game, Jack Marlow caught the Town centre back out with an interception followed by a rocket from outside the box, 0-3. Town got one back with a break through the middle 1-3, however following another corner, Tom Garry hit home to go in at half time 1-4 up.
Clarets, as in the last game changed the formation to a 442, and started where they finished, with a goal, courtesy of Martell Solarin, 1-5. Dave Clover made it six follwoing a re bound off the post, 1-6. Will Spires scored his first goal for City to make it 1-7. With minutes to go Town got another goal back to finish the game 2-7.
Squad - Nicholls (capt) Little (2 goals) Marlow (1 goal) Garry (1 goal) Solarin (1 goal) Clover ( 1 goal) Spires (1 goal) Butterfield Boden Webb Bass Hardie Edwards Napolitano Everitt Trialist
Tom Garry stepped up from the clarets to make his debut, Andy Boden also comming up from the clarets, Max Everitt from the 14s and a trialist all helped to make this a good performance for only the second game of the season, in particular the fitness that shone through at the end of the game.
As a Hitchin official said 'Your boys gave us a wake up call as to what they are going to face in their season in the EJA'
AFC WIMBLEDON COE 2 : 0 CHELMSFORD CITY
FRIENDLY
14TH AUGUST 2011
Clarets first of six pre season friendlies brought up a difficult tie against AFC Wimbledon, a chance for City to prepare for the season ahead. Five lads were to make their debuts for City, Will Spires, Dan Martin, Miles Hardie, Bradley Napolitano and from the clarets team Shaun Warren - also stepping up from the clarets was Joe Taylor who had played a handful of games last season for the 'EJA' team.
The first half was an even affair with regards to possesion, corner count was 3-3, however AFC went in at the break 1-0 up thanks to some clever play from them and City failing to close them down. Two other events of note was a great reflex save from goal keeper Joe Tayor and just before half time AFC rattling the cross bar but failing to get on the end of the re bound.
For the second half City changed their formation which allowed AFC to gain more possesion however it did offer both teams more scoring oppurtunities. In the 17th minute Ronnie Edwards chested down for Charlie Webb to fire in producing a good save from the keeper, two minutes later though AFC broke away and doubled their lead, 0-2. City didn't let their heads drop and kept pushing for a goal, the closest being a powerful volley from Miles Hardie that went just wide.
Squad - Spurgeon (capt) Bass Butterfield Marlow Spires Webb Martin Little Solarin Clover Nicholls Hardie Edwards Napolitano Taylor Warren
Although losing, the performance from all sixteen players, including the five making their debuts, gained them 'great reviews' from senior AFC Wimbledon coaches.
