Unbeaten run ends at Dunmow Group Community Stadium
Chelmsford City’s promising pre-season sequence came to an abrupt halt as Witham Town secured a 2-1 victory at the Dunmow Group Community Stadium. The result will be reviewed carefully by the management as the Clarets continue their preparations for the 2026/27 National League South campaign.
The visitors struck early when, after seven minutes, a misplaced pass from Joe Grimwood presented George Smith with the chance to finish. As reported, Smith "
calmly slotted beyond the goalkeeper" to give Witham a 1-0 lead.
Chelmsford responded and dominated phases of the first half. Two minutes after falling behind the Clarets won a dangerous free-kick but the delivery was comfortably dealt with by the Witham goalkeeper. The home side continued to press: Jack Barham produced a dangerous cross shortly afterwards and, on 18 minutes, Kamani McFarlane unleashed the team’s first shot on target which was superbly cleared off the line by the visiting defence.
Manager Mark Cooper made six changes from the side that beat Ipswich Town U21s a week earlier, selecting Leo Sery, Kamani McFarlane and Jack Barham to lead the attack while naming an experimental midfield behind them. A slight delay to kick-off meant the match began a little after 3pm but had little effect on the intensity.
Second-half fightback undone by late goal
Moments into the second half Chelmsford restored parity when Denzel Olopade finished confidently after an incisive cutback from Ricky Holmes, drawing the home crowd back into the contest. Despite sustained pressure thereafter the visitors managed to restore their advantage midway through the second period and then held on as the Clarets pushed for an equaliser.
The closing stages saw City press in numbers and create opportunities, but Witham’s defence and goalkeeper withstood the final surges. The defeat ends a run of pre-season results that included three consecutive wins prior to this fixture.
- Final score: Chelmsford City 1–2 Witham Town
- Goals: George Smith (Witham), Denzel Olopade (Chelmsford), Witham second-half scorer (midway through second period)
- Notable performers: Denzel Olopade, Ricky Holmes, Kamani McFarlane
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 7' | George Smith puts Witham 1–0 ahead (misplaced pass led to chance) |
| ~Half-time | Kamani McFarlane shot cleared off the line (18') |
| Early 2nd half | Denzel Olopade equalises after Holmes cutback |
| Mid 2nd half | Witham restore lead and hold on |
For supporters and the club, the match provides several takeaways. The Clarets showed attacking intent and created clear chances but will be disappointed to concede twice, including from a defensive error that gifted the opener. With competitive fixtures approaching, attention will turn to defensive organisation and converting late chances into goals.
Next up for Chelmsford City are further pre-season fixtures intended to sharpen the squad ahead of the National League South season. The coaching staff will use this result as part of their assessment of squad depth and combinations, particularly after making significant changes to the starting XI for this match.
