The 575 spectators who chose to watch Chelmsford City instead of visiting the New Year sales got themselves a cracking bargain at Billericay last Friday with The Clarets storming back from two goals down to deservedly snatch the points.

It was value for money football with City overcoming numerous hurdles to firmly stake their claim for a promotion place.

The names of Tesfaye Bramble and Ian Cambridge are constantly among the headlines and once again they delivered the goods to seal City's win.

But just as vital was the contribution of centre-half John Girling whose masterful display ensured that Raunds' trip back to Northamptonshire was a glum affair.

The 24-year-old, under the careful guidance of manager Gary Bellamy, has matured into a quality defender and looks to be forming a useful partnership with recent signing James Saddington.

Raunds, a busy if unspectacular outfit containing five ex-Rushden & Diamonds players, went in front after just six minutes when Daniel Reeve chopped down Kevin Slinn who netted the resultant penalty.

Raunds goalkeeper Darren Watts excelled by thwarting Bramble and then blocking Christian McCann's follow up. McCann, enjoying a rare start in City's line-up, showed pace and trickery throughout the game, causing plenty of problems down the left flank.

An equaliser looked to have arrived on 38 minutes when Barry Lakin freed both Bramble and Cambridge and the teenager smartly rounded Watts.

But in his eagerness to score his 21st goal of the season, Cambridge nicked the ball away from Bramble and was then deemed to be offside.

Despite City's protests the goal was disallowed with further disappointment coming shortly before half time when two justifiable penalty claims were turned down.

A 53rd minute overhead kick from Reeve was ruled out before Danny Kelly saved well from Slinn's header but, just past the hour, it got worse for City when a corner found its way to Ian Pearce who arrowed an unstoppable 16-yard drive beyond Kelly.

A third 'goal' then failed to count as Lakin tucked the ball home after Bramble's rasping shot was spilled by Watts.

Raunds couldn't believe their luck, but unknown to them it was just about to disappear in a wave of incessant Chelmsford pressure.

After 67 minutes Cambridge deftly crossed for Bramble and this time there was no flag to halt the celebrations as the free scoring youngster stooped to head in at the far post.

Three minutes later Bramble levelled matters with his 17th goal of the season when he slammed the ball in from a yard when Lakin's header from a corner came back off the bar.

It was sheer bliss for the hosts although Raunds still had their eyes on victory.

Kelly pulled off a notable double save from Mark Hanton and a succession of yellow cards for both teams, only added to the drama.

Cambridge and Saddington could have put City ahead but with four minutes remaining the wizardry of City's top scorer sent the loyal 'travelling' Chelmsfordians wild with delight.

Receiving the ball with his back to goal he left the towering John Coe, once a £9,000 capture for neighbouring F.A. Cup heroes Rushden, floundering on the turf to strike the sweetest of shots past the static Watts.

It was Cambridge's 19th goal from just 19 games. The last word however went to the outstanding Girling whose 88th minute clearance off the line preserved City's precious advantage.

Chelmsford City: Kelly, Girling B, Coburn, Saddington, Girling J, Lakin, Reeve (Greatorex 63), Tovey, Bramble (Berquez 89), Cambridge and McCann. Unused substitute: Wardley.

Chelmsford City's Ian Cambridge, who netted his 19th lgoal of the season on Friday.

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