Written by: Ollie Heathcote
Hemel Hempstead Town 2 (Akanbi 14, Iaciofano 71) Chelmsford City 2 (Kalala 37, Ruff 48)
Monday night’s encounter saw the Tudors earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw at home to
Chelmsford City.
Credit: Club Photographer, Jemma Sear (@_photosbyjem)
The point brings a three game losing streak to an end, as the Tudors showed many
promising signs throughout the game. They also maintain their unbeaten record in the
league at home, with Iaciofano’s 71st minute equaliser ensuring this record stayed intact.
The opening exchanges of the game were closely-fought, with both teams looking to gain a
foothold on the game. With half-chances occurring at both ends of the pitch, the Tudors were
eventually able to break the deadlock, as some excellent footwork from George Williams
created the opportunity to cross the ball into the box. His low cross was parried out by
Williamson in the Chelmsford goal, which was met by the oncoming Akanbi, who fired into
an empty net. Hemel had some defending to do straight after the opener, as Craig King had
to thank his defender Tompkins, as the defender headed Kalala’s effort off the line. Just 8
minutes later, the Tudors almost doubled their advantage, with George Williams showing
fantastic footwork to create a shooting opportunity on the edge of the box. His curling effort
took a huge deflection of debutant Dan Roberts, going narrowly past the post.
However, the 37th minute saw the visitors draw level, as their counter attacks had proved a
threat in the opening stages. The Clarets broke down the right hand side with Brad Williams
sending a low cross to be tapped in at the back post by Kalvin Kalala. Kalala forced King into
a couple of good saves, proving his threat on the attack before the first half was drawn to a
close, with the game remaining in the balance.
Credit: Club Photographer, Jemma Sear (@_photosbyjem)
Chelmsford City started the second half with momentum, as they were quick to take the
lead. Osman Foyo’s cross from the right hand side was unable to be dealt with by the Tudors
defence, with the resulting ball falling into the path of Charlie Ruff. He found the roof of the
net in front of the away support, who voiced their approval of the effort. The visitors could
have extended their lead further in many scenarios, with King forced into a fantastic stop
from former Tudor Greenidge’s shot from close range. Efforts from Ruff, and another from
Greenidge struck the post, as the next goal looked certain to be for the Clarets.
However, Hemel levelled the deficit again with a cross from the right hand side finding the
head of substitute Joe Iaciofano at the back post. Despite his header being excellently saved
from goalkeeper Williamson, the linesman had judged the ball to have crossed the goal line,
giving Iaciofano 2 goals in 3 games. The visitors almost responded six minutes later as a
free kick found the head of Greenidge, whose effort grazed the top of the crossbar. Chances
from Brown and George Williams almost put the hosts in the lead before full time, however,
the result ended in a competitive 2-2.