Ridgeons Eastern Counties League club Hadleigh United prevailed by four goals to one over a young Chelmsford side at Tinkers Lane on Saturday afternoon but Daniel Lopez’s late belter salvaged some pride for the Clarets.

The visiting team’s oldest player was just 19 years of age and Bob Batchford, who was in charge of the team in Suffolk, paid tribute to the passing football they produced from the early stages. Mark Crick volleyed narrowly off-target as Chelmsford kept hold of the ball for lengthy spells though they fell behind on 33 minutes when Craig Payne received a pass and struck across goalkeeper Lewis Batchford and into the side of the net.

Moments later Hadleigh doubled their lead via a well-taken Ben Deacon finish but City weren’t dispirited and Crick again tested them with a drive the home goalkeeper had to push around the post. After half-time came a succession of substitutions and United had a goal ruled-out for offside. Blair Hammond and Warren Taylor-Holt added another two but Lopez rounded-off a neat move near the end with a sublime strike from distance.

Chelmsford City Under 13s Seek Players: Do you have the ability the ability to play at the highest standard outside of Academy level? The Clarets have assembled a very strong squad for their first season in the Eastern Junior Alliance but would still particularly like to hear from left-sided midfield players or strikers. In the first instance, contact Steve Bennett via this link.