Chelmsford played home to Ebbsfleet United FC and lost 2 – 1. Ebbsfleet scored two goals in six minutes to take the lead and Hughes was sent off, destroying Chelmsford’s hopes of a comeback.
Chelmsford were leading but Ebbsfleet United FC scored two goals in the space of six minutes to seize victory from Chelmsford today. Chelmsford’s captain, Mark Hughes, sent off for violent conduct following the second goal and Chelmsford were beaten
Chelmsford too the lead after 26 minutes when Matthew Lock took a shot at goal which sailed past Ebbfleet’s keeper, Preston Edwards, and hit the cross bar; Robert Edmans reached out his neck to header the ball home. Edman almost scored again, but was caught offside.
Many opportunities arose for both team that were missed, at half time the score remained Chelmsford 1, Ebbsfleet United 0.
In the second half, after around 60 minutes, Ebbsfleet started to come together and create some opportunities. At 62 minutes the equalised: Rance crossed, Alex Osborn chested the ball down and Thalassitis drove the ball home into the bottom corner of the net. Six minutes later McMahon seized a chance and took Ebbfleet’s second.
For a while Chelmsford fought back hard and saw a shot on target by Greene saved, and then immediately after Hughes crunched a volley and went wide.
Shortly after Hughes appeared to kick Thalassitis while he was on the ground. This action sparked a brawl as Fleet players came off the bench to confront Hughes and Chelmsford.
Referee Lloyd Wood gave Hughes a red card. Chelmsford then threw everybody forward but to no avail.
Chelmsford played well in the first half and saw some good plays, notably Matthew Lock’s corner which would have been perfect if Edmans had not mis-timed his kick.
