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THE FansFocus.Com SENIOR CUP |
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WITHAM TOWN 0 - 3 CHELMSFORD
CITY |
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Chelmsford City survived the dismissal
of midfielder Jeff Minton to progress to the Fourth Round of the
FansFocus.Com Essex Senior Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over near-neighbours
Witham Town.
The two mid-Essex clubs have enjoyed a good relationship this
season, with the Clarets' Reserve side playing their Capital League
fixtures at Witham's Spa Road ground, and the likes of Chelmsford
substitute 'Wiseman' has spent time on loan up the A12.
However, the gulf in quality between the top of the Ryman League
Premier Division and the bottom of Division One North was cruelly
exposed as City overcame Minton's 50th-minute sending off -
administered after the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion player was
adjudged to have stamped on an opponent - with two goals in three
minutes around the hour mark.
Chelmsford were the first to threaten as Bertie Brayley curled a
long-distance shot onto the crossbar and prodigiously-talented
teenager Ricky Holmes drove just wide of a post. It was therefore no
surprise when Holmes, who has been courted by Football League clubs
Peterborough United and Southend United, handed the away team the
lead on the half-hour, beating his marker before hitting a deflected
shot over unfortunate goalkeeper Paul Daley.
Town attempted to respond immediately and Captain Nathan Sharp
headed a corner just inches over the crossbar. Former City player
Adam Holmes then induced a comfortable save from 'keeper Ashley
Harrison whilst, at the other end, James Lawson was denied by a
desperate defensive header.
After the interval, Chelmsford continued to press despite being
reduced to ten men, and on 59 minutes Mario Noto doubled the lead,
hitting a dipping free-kick low into the corner of the net. Minutes
later, Grays Athletic loanee Lawson made it 3-0, collecting a raking
long pass in his stride and making space to fire home.
There were opportunities for Jamie England and Holmes to extend the
advantage, but Daley was equal to a fierce strike and point-blank
header respectively. Chelmsford now look forward to a home tie with
Blue Square Southern side Thurrock as they attempt to emulate their
2003/04 Senior Cup-winning outfit.
Chelmsford City: Ashley Harrison, Spencer Knight, Stuart
Ainsley, Andy Duncan, Aidan Collins, Jamie England, Mario Noto (Mkhululi
"Wiseman" Mcgotyelwa 79), Jeff Minton, James Lawson,
Bertie Brayley, Ricky Holmes. Unused substitutes: Ashley Cole, Dane
Elliott, Danny Gay (GK).
Witham Town: Paul Daley, Jack Humphries (Reiss Farley-Hearn
76), David Morgan (Lance Forrester 69), Grant O'Donnell, Glen Revell,
Steve Joyce, Kaan Hawes, Phil Goodwin, Jamie Ricks, Nathan Sharp,
Adam Holmes (Rob King 69). Unused Substitutes: John Nicholls, Stuart
Crumpen (GK).
Bookings: City: Collins (45, foul).
Sent Off: City: Minton (50, violent conduct).
Referee: Lloyd Wood (Dagenham).
Assistant Referees: Tony Goddard (Dagenham) and Ian Hogg (Basildon).
Attendance: 236.
Man of the Match: Ricky Holmes (Chelmsford City) - A constant
threat
going forward and his pace regularly unlocked Witham's defence.
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