Defeat for Truro City

Truro City were defeated by promotion chasing Chelmsford, who saw their tally led by two George Alexander penalties.

The Clarets’ number nine scored from the spot in each half, in almost identical circumstances too via the woodwork, after midfielder Josh Castiglione had been fouled on both occasions in the box.

Alexander’s first penalty came after just four minutes of Truro’s latest home clash, again played at Gloucester City’s Meadow Park, with a 7.30pm kick-off.

But Truro equalised shortly after thanks to a freak and hugely fortuitous Tyler Harvey goal. That didn’t stop Chelmsford’s dominance as only City custodian James Hamon and the goal frame stopped Robbie Simpson’s side taking the lead again.

Eventually Truro succumbed just after the half hour mark when Cameron James added Chelmsford’s second before the visitors’ player of the match Ody Alfa extended the lead further before half-time.

Into the second stanza and Chelmsford’s dominance continued with the points secured by Alexander’s second successful penalty conversion as his side cut Yeovil’s lead at the top of the table to nine points.

City boss Paul Wotton made two changes from the side which defeated Taunton Town 2-0 last time out. Ed Palmer and Andrew Neal were both ruled out through injury, replaced by Sam Sanders and Ollie Bray.

And after both missing the victory over the Peacocks, Adam Porter and Dominic Johnson-Fisher returned to the bench.

It was the visitors who settled into the match quickly, with Truro struggling to keep the ball and Chelmsford out of their half. It was then of little surprise that the Clarets took the lead early on, although the award of their first penalty was contentious, with Castiglione going down rather theatrically in the box.

But merry whistle blower Charles Martland pointed to the spot and up stepped Alexander to score – just – with his low effort escaping James Hamo’s outstretched hand and hitting the net, via the inside of the post.

Former Hemel Hempstead man Castiglione, who caused City no end of problems until he was withdrawn seven minutes from time, was denied by Hamon shortly after Chelmsford went ahead, before Truro levelled in freak circumstances.

The visitors tried playing their way out from the back and a good press from City forced Clarets custodian Henry Gray into a rushed clearance. The poor effort at clearing his lines hit Harvey flush on the head and rolled into an unguarded net.

But parity being restored didn’t deter Chelmsford and Hamon pulled off a string of magnificent saves to deny Alexander, Castiglione and Callum Watts.

The Clarets’ first goalscorer also hit the post with a header from Jermaine Francis’ cross before the visitors retook the lead just after the half hour mark.

Chelmsford were awarded a free-kick wide on the right level with the six-yard box. Ben Brookes’ delivery went straight across the face of goal and James couldn’t miss from a few yards out.

City had half chances through Harvey and Dan Sullivan, but Chelmsford went further ahead as the interval approached when Alfa ran towards goal and let fly from distance. The Nigerian midfielder, who began his career with Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers, found the bottom corner from just outside the box.

Wotton, who had to watch the game from the stands due to a one-game touchline ban, shuffled his pack at half-time with both Porter and Johnson-Fisher thrust into the fray.

Chelmsford continued to hold the upper hand in the second stanza and they made the game safe after 54 minutes.

Castiglione was once again fouled and despite the initial contact appearing to be outside the box, a second Chelmsford penalty was awarded.

Alexander found the mark for a second time as his powerful effort crashed against the underside of the bar and beat Hamon.

With the game up, Chelmsford were content to see the rest of the match out with ease as only Castiglione’s curling effort, which struck the post, threatened to bring the scoreboard operators into action once more.

City: Hamon, Adelsbury, Sanders (Porter, 45), Harrison, Melhado, Dean, Rooney, Sullivan (Johnson-Fisher, 45), Riley-Lowe, Harvey, Bray (Law, 68). Subs not used: Brett, Buse.

Chelmsford: Gray, Bobb, James, Barbrook, Brookes, Watts, Wordsworth, Francis (Carruthers, 64), Castiglione (Ochieng, 83), Alfa, Alexander (Hockey, 64). Sub not used: Ruff

Referee: Charles Martland