Chelmsford 3-1 Colchester: Match Report

Chelmsford 3-1 Colchester: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.Chelmsford upset UsDonovan Simmonds grabbed his first Chelmsford goals to help the Clarets stun Essex neighbours Colchester 3-1 in the FA Cup first-round.Simmonds struck in both halves to give the Blue Square Bet South high-fliers a two-goal lead at Melbourne Park.And although Michael Rose pulled a goal back for the U's with a superbly-struck free-kick with 20 minutes remaining, Jamie Slabber wrapped up the hosts' shock victory late on.Chelmsford took the lead when Simmonds netted from long range midway through the first half with a superb shot.Colchester goalkeeper Mark Cousins then denied Justin Miller and although Jabo Ibehre went close for the npower League One side before half-time, the Clarets doubled their lead just after the hour when Simmonds nodded a long ball past the stranded Cousins and into the empty net.Rose reduced the deficit with a 25-yard effort that left home keeper Stuart Searle motionless.Colchester pushed for an equaliser after that and Magnus Okuonghae fired just over, while Searle made a fine save to deny Ibehre at his near post.But Slabber sealed Chelmsford's famous win in the closing stages when he slammed home from Simmonds' pass.

Source: PA