City edge out 10-man Clarets in seven-goal thriller

City narrowly came out on the right side of a seven goal thriller against Chelmsford City at the Melbourne Stadium this afternoon. It made for a clash which neither defence will look back on fondly but one that provided ample entertainment for the returning spectators. A comedy own-goal for City set the tone for the game on 10 minutes, an attempted clearance hitting Isaac and just crossing the line before keeper Worgan could react. Within two minutes the home side levelled, Sheringham converting Isaac’s low cross from six yards. City restored their lead in the 25th minute, Donovan Wilson controlling a clearance on his chest before driving a low shot into the net. And it got even better for the Romans three minutes later when Wilson sent Tommy Conway clear to slot the ball past Worgan. City had an escape on 34 minutes when Ryan Clarke pushed a Morgan free-kick onto the inside of the post. There was no such let off five minutes after the interval, Sheringham making it 3-2 when he forced the ball past Clarke at the second attempt. However, just two minutes later a clearance by Clarke was allowed to bounce all the way through to Wilson to fire home from just inside the area. On the hour mark the Clarets were reduced to 10 men after Church was sent off for a late challenge on Tomlinson but with 19 minutes left Oluwo netted to reduced the deficit once again. Despite their man advantage City were now on the back foot, although Tom Smith missed a great chance to seal the win four minutes time, and, when in stoppage time, Sheringham headed home a free-kick it looked like the comeback was complete only for an offside flag to halt the celebrations. Moments later the final whistle blew to end the excitement, and the sides now have to do it all over again in three days time at Twerton Park in the FA Trophy.