CHELMSFORD CITY 1-1 BARNET | MATCH REPORT – Chelmsford City FC

After a quiet opening fifteen minutes to proceedings in Essex, the first two clear chances of the game fell to the visitors. Rhys Browne grabbed a quick free kick in the 15th^th minute and produced a close-range shot that forced Ted Collins into an impressive left-footed save. Three minutes later, Collins kept the scores level again with another outstanding save from a point-blank range, this time denying Jermaine Francis a goal against his former club.

Robbie Simpson’s side grew into the game as the first half progressed though and forced Collins’ counterpart Nick Hayes into a strong stop in the 28th.^th minute. After intercepting a Hayes free pass, Charlie Ruff was able to curl an effort from inside the box which the Bees stopper did well to keep out from close range. Kalvin Kalala almost scored his second goal of the pre-season towards the end of the half when City’s attacking midfield trio of Tamplin, Ruff and Kalala linked up well on a counter-attack, the latter of the three turning a shot wide wrong goal. post.

In the second half, the Bees almost drew first blood in the 54th^th minute when Finley Wilkinson hit a powerful effort just wide of Collins’ goal. After bringing on Freddie Hockey and Trialist B after the break, Simpson made three more changes in the 61st^St minute, one of which saw Kane Crichlow make his first home appearance as a Claret.

Less than three minutes into his debut at the Melbourne Community Stadium, Crichlow found himself on the scoresheet. The former Watford man rose above a Barnet defender at the back post and powerfully headed home Sam Oguntayo’s pinpoint cross from the left flank to put the Clarets ahead.

Dean Brennan’s side responded well to the switch at the back as they looked to maintain their unbeaten record from the four pre-season friendlies they have played so far this summer. The Bees’ efforts finally paid off when the ever-threatening Jermaine Francis marked his return to Melbourne Community Stadium with an assist for Rhys Browne. Browne leveled impressively, finishing Francis’ low cross into the City 18-yard box with a shot that found the top corner of the net.