Chelmsford City remain unbeaten after goalless draw with Horsham

Chelmsford City maintained their unbeaten start to the National League South season after playing out a goalless draw with Horsham at the Dunmow Group Community Stadium.

The Clarets welcomed Horsham to Chelmsford on Saturday, September 26 looking to build on their strong start to the campaign and their recent FA Cup victory over Canvey Island.

Neither side could find the breakthrough, however, as Mark Cooper's side were forced to settle for a point from a 0-0 draw.

Ashley Clarke makes Chelmsford City debut

There was a first Chelmsford City appearance for Ashley Clarke, who started following his short-term loan move from Woking.

The 21-year-old forward was involved in some of City's early attacking play, including a clever cutback for Manny Egbo whose effort was blocked.

Clarke joined the Clarets after spending last season on loan with AFC Totton, where he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists.

Horsham also threatened during the first half, forcing Chelmsford goalkeeper Alfie Marriott into action on several occasions.

Marriott produced an important diving save to deny Charlie Hester-Cook as the visitors looked for an opening goal.

The sides went into half-time with the score still 0-0.

Miley hits the post

Chelmsford began the second half strongly following the introduction of Jack Barham.

City went agonisingly close to taking the lead when a corner eventually reached captain Cav Miley, whose effort struck the post before bouncing into the hands of Horsham goalkeeper Michael Dike.

Horsham then hit the woodwork themselves after Ronan Silva broke through the Chelmsford defence, with his effort taking a deflection from Marriott before striking the post.

Marriott was called upon again just after the hour mark, producing another important save to deny Ashley Nadesan.

Both teams continued searching for a winner as the game became increasingly open during the closing stages.

Late chance for the Clarets

Chelmsford were handed one final opportunity deep into stoppage time when they won a free-kick on the edge of the Horsham penalty area.

George Alexander's initial effort struck the wall before the rebound fell to Denzelle Olopade.

His follow-up went narrowly wide of the post, leaving the Clarets to settle for a point.

The result means Chelmsford City's unbeaten start to the National League South season continues after nine league matches.

A crowd of 1,887 watched the game at the Dunmow Group Community Stadium.

Chelmsford City team

Chelmsford City: Marriott, Barbrook, Tompkins, Ralph, Browne, Miley, Egbo, May, Bridge, Alexander, Clarke.

Substitutes used: Olopade, McFarlane, Crowther, Barham.

Attendance: 1,887

Result: Chelmsford City 0–0 Horsham