Truro City 1 - Chelmsford City 4

Truro City were defeated by promotion chasing Chelmsford, who saw their tally led by two George Alexander penalties, writes Gareth Davies. 

The Clarets’ number nine scored from the spot in each half, in almost identical circumstances too via the woodwork, after midfielder Josh Castiglione had been fouled on both occasions in the box.

Alexander’s first penalty came after just four minutes of Truro’s latest home clash, again played at Gloucester City’s Meadow Park, with a 7.30pm kick-off.

But Truro equalised shortly after thanks to a freak and hugely fortuitous Tyler Harvey goal. That didn’t stop Chelmsford’s dominance as only City custodian James Hamon and the goal frame stopped Robbie Simpson’s side taking the lead again.

Eventually Truro succumbed just after the half hour mark when Cameron James added Chelmsford’s second before the visitors’ player of the match Ody Alfa extended the lead further before half-time.

Into the second stanza and Chelmsford’s dominance continued with the points secured by Alexander’s second successful penalty conversion as his side cut Yeovil’s lead at the top of the table to nine points.

It was the visitors who settled into the match quickly, with Truro struggling to keep the ball and Chelmsford out of their half. It was then of little surprise that the Clarets took the lead early on, although the award of their first penalty was contentious, with Castiglione going down rather theatrically in the box.

But Charles Martland pointed to the spot and up stepped Alexander to score – just – with his low effort escaping James Hamo’s outstretched hand and hitting the net, via the inside of the post.

Truro then levelled in freak circumstances. The visitors tried playing their way out from the back and a good press from City forced Clarets custodian Henry Gray into a rushed clearance. The poor effort at clearing his lines hit Harvey flush on the head and rolled into an unguarded net.

The visitors retook the lead just after the half hour mark. Chelmsford were awarded a free-kick wide on the right level with the six-yard box. Ben Brookes’ delivery went straight across the face of goal and James couldn’t miss from a few yards out.

City had half chances through Harvey and Dan Sullivan, but Chelmsford went further ahead as the interval approached when Alfa ran towards goal and let fly from distance. The Nigerian midfielder, who began his career with Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers, found the bottom corner from just outside the box.

Chelmsford continued to hold the upper hand in the second stanza and they made the game safe after 54 minutes.

Castiglione was once again fouled and despite the initial contact appearing to be outside the box, a second Chelmsford penalty was awarded.

Alexander found the mark for a second time as his powerful effort crashed against the underside of the bar and beat Hamon.

With the game up, Chelmsford were content to see the rest of the match out with ease