City 1 Maldon and Tiptree 2

With one eye on next weeks County Cup Final Chelmsford knew that the league match v Maldon and Tiptree would be difficult.
It became even more difficult when both regular Centre backs became unavailable due to injury (Hayden) and illness (Max), Right back (Gabe) was unavailable and midfielder (Ed) also recovering from injury.
The depleted squad lined up in a 3-5-2 with Cam in goal, George, Luke and Shane at the back with Joel and James wide right and left, Tennie, Billy and Kyran in Midfield with Sam and Callum up front, leaving Jack and Reece as subs.

Maldon started well and were pushing the City defence. The opener came just after 10 mins when a ball was not cleared and the Maldon forward was able to score. 0-1. To add to Citys defensive woes on around 20mins George became the 4th defender to have to rest due to injury and Jack came on. Joel moved into the back 3 and Kyran moved out wide left with Jack playing central.
Maldon scored a second when the ball bobbled in the 6 yard box when a defensive clearance by Luke could have seen a clearing of the ball, but a Maldon player managed to bundle the ball in for a very scrappy goal. 0-2. City had a good chance from a freekick, but Billys deadball failed to work the keeper.

Reece replaced Kyran at halftime and City looked like they were trying to push forward more to get back into the game. On 50 mins Luke did well to find a long pass that was well controlled by Callum, who saw the Maldon keeper out of position and was able to lob the ball in the goal. 1-2.

Kyran replaced Sam upfront for the last 10 mins, but City were unable to find an equaliser.

I difficult game against good opposition on a bobbly pitch, with a number of players unavailable. Probably the right result, but City could have sneaked a draw.

Essex County Cup final next week v Rayleigh Boys - 3pm kick off at Great Wakering Rovers. Lets hope the injured boys are back, we get a result and the boys have a good day.