Chelmsford City’s automatic promotion push took a hit this weekend in a 0-0 draw away to Gloucester City.
The Clarets now sit six points behind leaders Torquay United, following Torquay’s comprehensive 5-2 victory at Plainmoor over Dulwich Hamlet, who will be even warier of relegation back down the Isthmian Premier Division.
Both teams came into the clash at Evesham United’s Jubilee Stadium in good form, with both clubs on a run of five games unbeaten.
Chelmsford travelled to Worcestershire without regular starters Joe Anderson, Adrian Cașcaval and Chez Isaac all out of the clash owing to injuries.
Early Frustrations
The away side started the tie on the front foot, however Rhys Murphy and Chris Whelpdale could not convert the number of half chances that came their way to extend their good form.
The Clarets had a succession of corners came their way, however on-loan Bristol City goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott laid claim to Johnny Giles’ corners to dispel any danger for Gloucester.
As a result of Chelmsford’s injury concerns, winger Tom Wraight filled in at left-back, meaning Murphy had to drift out wide on a number of occasions, leaving the Clarets rather blunt in attack.
Like their opponents, Gloucester had a number of half chances come their way with Nathan McDonald in the Chelmsford goal dealing with the forward balls with comfort.
Unlucky Clarets
Just before the hour mark, Chelmsford were awarded a free-kick for a trip on Murphy. As perhaps a metaphor for the contest, Murphy’s subsequent free-kick sailed over the bar, with Wollacott failing to be tested.
On 82 minutes, substitute Jordan Chiedozie was felled in the box, leading to frustration from Chelmsford’s management team to be directed towards the officials, who had already made a number of questionable calls.
Into stoppage time, the game was almost exclusively contested inside Gloucester’s half. In front of Chelmsford’s travelling support, who had made the 242-mile round trip, former Stevenage midfielder Whelpdale failed to connect with Murphy’s searching ball forward; a golden opportunity in a match consisting of anything but.
Post Match Protocol
Chelmsford assistant manager Nick Haycock was vocal on Twitter after the draw, tweeting: “Should have done more with the set pieces and penalty area entries we had” and bemoaning a “lack of quality on the final pass.”
Chelmsford play host to Concord Rangers next weekend in an Essex derby, with both sides aiming to boost their play-off aspirations as 11 games remain in the National League South.
Chelmsford City starting XI: McDonald; Omozusi, Spillane, Young, Wraight; Whelpdale, Porter, Church (Miles 68′), Giles (Cosgrave 68′), Murphy, Fenwick (Chiedozie 60′).
Subs not used: Barnum-Bobb, Khinda-John.
Gloucester City starting XI: Wollacott; Avery, Hodges, Mawford, Kotwica; Knowles (Unwin 68′), Thomas, Smerdon, Russe; Robert, Parker (Hanks 60′).
Subs not used: Lapworth, Bainbridge, Peck.
