Catholic United ended their losing run with a hard-fought contest 1-1 draw against Old Chelmsfordians. The hard-earned point provided a vital boost for United as they look to climb the Essex Olympian League table and rebuild momentum after a challenging run of fixtures.

By Freddie Facey

Kick-off

The opening stages saw Catholic start brightly and go in front within 10 minutes as Fin Woods delivered his whipped cross towards Charlie McGinn, who headed his effort past Taylor Ellis giving the Essex Bhoys an early advantage and scoring his first goal for the club.

Three minutes later, Catholic continued to build on their one-goal advantage as Thomas Kearney’s free-kick was sent towards the back post, before Mike Sammut sent his effort off target.

The visitors had a golden opportunity as a foul from Patrick Kearney saw Wally James award Old Chelmsfordians a penalty. Jack Griggs stepped up and sent Owen Wells the wrong way to make it 1-1.

Before the break, the Essex Bhoys were awarded their second free-kick of the match following a push on Zac Wing. Kearneys’s delivery fell to James Warder, whose effort was firmly saved by Ellis.

Half-Time: Catholic United 1-1 Old Chelmsfordians

The visitors began the second half with urgency as the O’s started to put pressure on Sammut, who was forced to play a back pass to Wells.
The Old Chelmsfordians forward intercepted the pass and chipped the ball over Wells, but the Catholic United number one was there to make a goal-line clearance denying the visitors a second of the afternoon.

The O’s continued to be a threat going forward as the visitors broke through on goal, with Owen Wells reacting well to push the ball behind for an Old Chelmsfordians corner-kick, but the resulting corner came to nothing.

With 25 minutes remaining, James pointed to the spot again following a handball by an Old Chelmsfordians defender, but Warder blasted the resulting penalty over the bar.

Neither side was able to find a decisive winner in the closing stages, with the points eventually shared at the Len Forge Centre.
The result brought Catholic’s two-match losing run to an end as Eamonn Kearney’s side picked up a hard-earned point.

Full-Time: Catholic United 1-1 Old Chelmsfordians

The Essex Bhoys now turn their attention to an away fixture against Hashtag United U23s at Forest Glade on Saturday, 12 September.

Goals

Catholic United: Charlie McGinn 7’
Old Chelmsfordians: Jack Griggs 26’