FA Trophy

[cornishteddyboy]

Chelmsford 2-2 Truro

[snake]

Credit where credit's due that is a very very good result under the circumstances

[Dave Deacon]

I would say it's a great result - Chelmsford 5th in the Blue Square South. And now a replay on Tuesday!

From the FA Website :-

Substitute Ricky Modeste’s superb 70th minute solo goal earned Chelmsford City a replay against Truro City, as the sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in The FA Trophy First Round Proper at Melbourne Stadium.

The winger latched on to Rob Edmans' lay-off before dancing around the Truro defence and cooly side-footing past Truro goalkeeper Martin Rice, as the visitors conceded a goal immediately after taking the lead for the second time in the match.

Earlier, an extraordinary opening to the game saw Andy Watkins give Truro a second minute lead before Ricky Holmes equalised with a wonder strike just 30 seconds later.

Andy Taylor thought he had won the tie for Truro in the 67th minute, only for Modeste to seal a long trip to Cornwall for a replay, which will take place on Tuesday night.

Chelmsford, fifth in the Conference South and with just one defeat in their last 12 matches, were disappointing on the day and fortunate to take anything from the game.

Truro, who have seen their rapid rise through the football pyramid checked this season, produced a committed display which belied their recent on-field troubles.

Manager Sean McCarthy departed the club following last Saturday’s disastrous 7-2 Southern League Premier Division defeat to Stourbridge and the Cornwall club made today’s 330 mile trip to Essex under the stewardship of caretaker manager Chris Webb.

They got off to a dream start when Marcus Martin took advantage of static Chelmsford defending, squaring to striker Watkins who was left with a tap in from two yards.

However, the visitors were ahead for less than a minute as Holmes equalised for the hosts in spectacular fashion. The in-form forward cut inside before unleashing a stunning 25-yard dipping strike beyond the helpless Rice.

Chances continued to come thick and fast throughout an open and entertaining first half but neither Holmes or striker partner Edmans were able to make the most of several presentable opportunities.

After a scrappy opening to the second-half it was Truro who came closest to taking the lead. Right midfielder Martin was left alone at the far post but saw his header rebound off the Chelmsford crossbar, with Watkins only able to direct the rebound wide.

The visitors' pressure finally told on 67 minutes when Taylor capitalised on more shamblolic Chelmsford defending to dip the ball over the advancing Chelmsford goalkeeper Ashley Harrison, giving Truro a deserved lead.

But just three minutes later, Modeste levelled the scores with Chelmsford’s first meaningful attack of the second half.

Neither side was able to snatch a late winner, despite Truro’s Martin Watts being shown a late red card after bringing down Modeste for his second caution of the match.

Chelmsford City: Ashley Harrison, Steve Clark, Micky Haswel, Mark Haines, Steve Ward, John Martin, Oliver Berquez ©, Anthony Cook (Ricky Modeste), Rob Edmans, Matt Lock, Ricky Holmes.

Truro City: Martin Rice, Barry McConnell, Lee Hodges, Jake Ash ©, Santos Gaia, Steve Adams, Andy Taylor, Marcus Martin, Andy Watkins, Les Afful, Martin Watts.

Attendance: 701

[SimonL]

They have put the match highlights up on Chelmsford website for those Truro fans who didn't make it to the game.

http://www.chelmsfordcityfootballclub.co.uk/

[Old Treyewonian]

This result and performance just makes the results and performances of the last couple of months all the more hard to understand. Was the manager that bad? Had he lost the dressing room as the saying goes? Do we need big games to motivate ourselves? Does Chris Webb have that midas touch? Can we repeat this performance at home on Tuesday or was it a one off?

Let's hope we have some positive answers to the questions on Tuesday and over the next few weeks.

Oh and Chelmsford's first goal was a cracker it must be said. We can do without that on Tuesday!

[Guest Peppermint]

Wht a great incentive for City - if they win the replay tonight they have a home tie in the Second Round against Blue Square Premier side Crawley Town. Crawley are currently in mid table in their league - the very best of luck to Truro this evening - I am only sorry that a prior engagement prevents me from attending. The next round is scheduled for the 9th January 2010 - good luck City.

[Lee_]

Come on City!!!!