Chelmsford City recorded their first win in three matches with a convincing three points at relegation-threatened Halesowen Town.

This clash saw two teams wracked by poor form over the last couple of weeks, with City disturbed by reverses against Folkestone Invicta and Grantham Town, and Birmingham side Halesowen on the wrong end of a four-goal thumping at Crawley Town last Saturday.

City started the better, spraying passes around and frustrating their opponents who were restricted to long-range efforts as the half progressed.

That was, until Leroy May missed the target when it looked easier to score, and Jason Ashby forced City keeper Paul Nicholls into a full-length save.

The breakthrough for Chelmsford arrived just after the half-hour mark however, with Phil Dean continuing his good form as he headed in Dale Watkins' cross.

Just before half-time that lead was extended as some measured approach play by Austin Berkley found Dale Watkins free in the box and he stabbed the ball beyond Tim Clarke.

That was slightly harsh on the hosts, who had contributed well to the contest prior to that.

The second half was a different story, with City happy to play out time in the centre of the park, and they comfortably claimed their 5th away win of the season to climb to 12th in the table.

Published Sunday, February 23, 2003