Chelmsford City moved further away from the bottom of the Dr Martens Premier on Saturday with an impressive win at high-flying Hinckley United.

Steve Butterworth was the hero, scoring twice. The first, against the run of play, after the Knitters had squandered two great chances to take the lead.

But the youngster's looping header on 12 minutes settled the Clarets' nerves, and they went on to consolidate as best they could for the remainder of the half by sitting back.

Inevitably though, the hosts firepower was to tell, and after Chris Smith had been spectacularly denied by Paul Nicholls, the same man played in Jamie Lenton, whose cross was too much for the former Chelsea keeper and Gavin Stone tapped into an empty net.

Worse was to follow for Nicholls, when a seemingly innocuous collision with Smith saw the City number one leave the pitch, to be replaced by Simon Clarke.

Despite being dominant, Hinckley became increasingly frustrated by their plucky visitors, and a surprise away win was on the cards after 62 minutes when George Lay's deep cross presented Butterworth with an easy chance for his second.

Hinckley huffed and puffed after that, coming closest when the lively Smith saw a shot cleared away off of the goalline in the closing stages.

But City held on for an impressive away win.

Published Monday January 5, 2004