A cold and relatively uninspiring affair at New Lodge on Saturday, as Chelmsford City and visitors Stafford Rangers cancelled each other out during a hard-fought 90 minutes of football.

Rangers came into the game on the back of nine league games without a win, and with a solid backline evident from the opening exchanges, it was always going to be difficult for Paul Parker's men to break through.

Despite that, City created well in the opening minutes, with Russell Williamson making the space to feed Danny Hockton, whose close range shot was expertly kept out by Ryan Price. Price was then called upon to propel some threatening crosses into the box, while midway through the half the best chance to fell to the visitors.

Joe O'Connor was sent free, and bided his time before shooting past Richard Hurst. The ball seemed on its way in, though hit the post before rebounding fortunately into the grateful keeper's arms to O'Connor's dismay.

The striker was denied shortly afterwards with a shot that hit Hurst's legs before being cleared, and it was evident then that one goal would probably be enough to win this game.

That almost arrived with 18 minutes remaining, as after a concerted period of play in the centre, City's Garry Cross manoeuvred space in the middle to set up a shot that missed Price's post by a whisker.

A battling point for City on a tricky surface, and one that keeps them in 8th spot ahead of the hectic Christmas schedule, which sees Weymouth the visitors to New Lodge next Saturday.

DML Prem Round-Up

Despite Crawley only picking up a solitary point at Hednesford Town on Saturday in a 0-0 draw, the Reds stretch their lead at the head of the division to four points.

That was courtesy of Weymouth's season continuing to fall in around them after a 1-0 home defeat to Moor Green. The Terras, now five games without a Premier Division win, saw Martin Myers hit the only goal on 67 minutes.

The chasing pack all picked up league wins, with Tamworth most impressive, winning 2-0 at former leaders Havant & Waterlooville.

A bizarre own goal by Hawks player/manager Liam Daish on 10 minutes set the Lambs on their way, and they went on to make the points safe 20 minutes from time through Mark Turner.

Kettering moved third with a home demolition of Merthyr Tydfil. An early strike by Dale Watkins, and two from Darren Collins capped a 3-0 win ahead of the title favourites big clash at leaders Crawley next Saturday.

Ilkeston Town twice surrendered the lead at home to Bath City in an eventual 3-3 draw. Six different goalscorers were on show with John Knapper, Emeka Nwadike and new signing Tony Hemmings for Town, while Gary Thorne, Bradley Thomas and Paul Milsom struck for the Romans. The latter was dismissed in the final minute for violent conduct.

Tiverton had the most impressive win of the day, 3-0 at Folkestone Invicta. Goals from Scott Rogers, Kevin Nancekivell and Richard Pears took the Devon club up to mid-table.

Welling United are becoming embroiled in something of a relegation fight at the foot of the table with the Wings falling 3-1 at home to Worcester City at Park View Road on Saturday.

A hat-trick for Mark Shepherd was the highlight for City, with Welling's only joy coming from Mike Rutherford's goal. They remain clear of the relegation places only on goal difference.

Newport IOW beat Cambridge City 1-0 thanks to Danny Gibbons' goal, while Martin Paul's injury time penalty for namesakes Newport County saw off King's Lynn in a 2-1 win at Spytty Park. The Norfolk visitors had two men dismissed in an 18-man brawl.

Hinckley United overcame bottom club Salisbury City 2-1 with new signing Scott Huckerby (brother of Manchester City's Darren) bagging the winner.

Salisbury remain bottom of the table with only one league win to their name this season.

Published Monday December 17, 2001