Steve Dogbe, who has been struggling with a troublesome ankle injury, was unavailable due to him having to attend a christening as a godfather. My team captain Wayne Walters was suspended.

Although the rest of the squad had worked very hard during the week I still had further players also missing from training. Keita Karamoko, Danny McGonigle and Rickey Browne were all unavailable for varying reasons.

I was very concerned about our preparation and the unexplained disappearance of two influential players but was pleased with my team’s determination and commitment and the way we played tactically.

Daniel Dyer and Daniel Nielsen (captain for the game) both did a brilliant job playing out of position. Victor Asombang and Howard Newton I thought would never last the full ninety minutes. Keita Karamoko (fingers) and Ricky Browne (thigh strain) were again doubtful starters. Danny McGonigle wanted to play despite being told he should still have another week’s rest before he could play following the concussion suffered against Walton and Hersham. Marvin Neufville and youngster Albert Danquah Adomah both failed fitness tests just before kick off so it was always going to be another difficult afternoon.

I felt we had the better of the first half but I think the turning point was for us to equalise so soon after they scored and to come in at half time level.

I was not surprised that we never got going in the second half with so many problems but at half time we discussed about being patient and disciplined. We stressed the importance of keeping our shape and concentration for the next 45 minutes.

We also agreed that Danny Blanchett’s deliveries at corners were a bit on the safe side and he had to deliver any future corners to the near post with pace as we knew the Chelmsford keeper did not feel comfortable with players attacking the ball in that area. This was something we spent time on Thursday night at training and it is an attacking part of our play that we have improved on considerably from last season.

Danny Leech arrived in the box to head home his second goal but more importantly it proved to be the winner. Leechy was plagued with injuries last season and has had his share of bad luck again this season but when he is fully fit I have not seen a better midfield player that can get forward and find such great positions so consistently.

I was pleased for Leechy because he also is working very hard on other aspects of improving his all round game.

We may have limped across the finishing line but I do feel our victory was well deserved.

We now start our preparation for the second half of this Essex double away to Redbridge on Saturday a team we have played three times already this season and have not been able to beat despite their lowly league position…

Owsy