Three consecutive wins for Chelmsford City, who climb into the top half of the Dr Martens Premier Division following this win at the South Kesteven Stadium.

An action-packed opener saw four goals in the first 20 minutes. City took the intiative on 12 minutes, as Ian Cousins stabbed the ball to the in-form Lewis Reid who, in turn, fired into the bottom corner.

Grantham restored parity shortly afterwards as Lee Marshall nodded a ball over the Chelmsford defence, and Gary Bull finished.

City fought back, scoring again only a minute later however, with Dale Watkins following up Jack Midson's initial shot to register against his former club.

Another attack, another goal for Grantham, as City were made to rue Midson's miss at the other end, and Stuart Wilson made it 2-2.

In comparison, the next hour was fairly dull, with both sides switching their emphasis to defence after the highly-charged opening. Half-chances came and went as the backlines tightened, so it was somewhat ironic that an own goal should seal it.

Dale Watkins beat the offside trap with ten minutes on the clock, to round Mario Ziccardi, and his ball across goal was plundered into his own net by Joby Gowshall.

Further improvement then for Chelmsford, who might yet be capable of a top six finish under Paul Parker.

Published Monday, January 27, 2003