Ricky Modeste led a superb second-half comeback with two goals as the Clarets emerged from a two-goal deficit to win by the odd strike in five, Tyrone Scarlett coming off the bench to add another for Bob Batchford’s men as First Team midfielder John Martin also completed a useful 90 minutes on the pitch.

 

Chelmsford entered the break with work to do but a much-improved display after half-time by the youthful second string was produced to devastating effect. Goalkeeper Lewis Batchford was called into action on just 3 minutes to make a brilliant diving save which prevented Luka Frankis, though he could do nothing about the 9th-minute opener, Keiren English controlling first-time and classily lobbing into the back of the net.

 

This was immediately followed by a spillage at the other end from Town ‘keeper Michael Green which led to City’s Mark Crick rapping the underside of the crossbar though the visitors carried the greater threat going forward. Jacob Cleaver tapped wide of the near post prior to Billericay adding their second on 23 minutes, Frankis supplying a dipping delivery for Cleaver at the far post who headed into the empty goal.

 

City again replied shortly after conceding though Ross Lamb could only watch his low effort being parried around the post for a corner having wriggled into a crowded goalmouth. But five minutes after half time Modeste brought the game to life when he burst through on goal and, after Green made an initial block to deny him, Chelmsford’s speedy forward touched the loose ball into the roof of the net.

 

The second period saw Batchford’s team compete with more purpose and they grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 62nd minute via a fitting strike from substitute Scarlett whose half-volley from the edge of the penalty area flew across the goalkeeper and found the bottom corner. Several substitutions and robust challenges broke-up the remainder of the game but one of City’s many talented youngsters saved his very best for last.

 

With 17 minutes left on the clock, Modeste beautifully controlled a swift-moving pass adjacent to the penalty spot and followed-up with a tidy, sublime finish past helpless custodian Green. City also brought a fantastic save out of Green late in the game from a close-range header while Lewis Payne hacked straight at the busy ‘keeper near the end but the trio of second-half goals earned Chelmsford all three points at Melbourne.

 

City:

 

1 Lewis Batchford

2 Ryan Batchford

3 Josh Brown

4 Max Johnson

5 Brad Hunter

6 Lewis Payne

7 Mark Crick

8 John Martin

9 Ricky Modeste

10 Ross Lamb

11 Christopher Kirby

 

12 Jake Brown (On for Kirby, 68)

14 Ben Ackim (On for Ryan Batchford, 66)

15 Tyrone Scarlett (On for Lamb, 46)

16 Andy Elgar

17 Adam Vyse

 

Billericay Town: Michael Green, Mark Laing, Conall Dunlop, Craig Young, Tom Deval, Billy Radley, Leon Rolle (Asa Haydon, 77), Keiren English, Anthony Aylett (Alex Kent, 74), Luka Frankis (Danny James, 69), Jacob Cleaver. Unused Substitutes: James O'Brian, Bradley Hooper.

 

Bookings: None.

 

Referee: Stuart Franklin.

 

Assistant Referees: Chris Manley and Mick Evan.

 

Attendance: circa 100.

 

City Man of the Match: Ricky Modeste.