Lee Kersey's injury time winner gained Chelmsford their first victory in seven attempts on Saturday.

City's poor run of form has taken them to the brink of the relegation zone, and the full three points were vital against bottom club Ilkeston Town on Saturday. But early on there was little to suggest the hosts were capable of that, creating very little in the first half, bar a long-range effort from Austin Berkley and a snap-shot from Danny Slatter that goalkeeper Matt Nurse did well to keep out.

Ilkeston, just two wins all season, looked a side devoid of ideas, and one fully feeling the effects of a disastrous season that began with them predicted as outside title bets.

The second half provided a bitterly cold New Lodge crowd with something more to cheer, as Jack Midson laid the ball off to Gary Cross on the hour, and his powerful shot flew into the top corner.

And that looked enough, until former Chester City striker Carl Heggs took advantage of slack defending to calmly slot past Paul Nicholls with just a minute left to play.

City pressed immediately. Berkley swung across a free-kick, Ian Wiles nodded it on, and Kersey, on as a sub, placed the ball beyond Nurse. The hosts were off the hook, and they now have the foundations on which to revive their season, beginning next weekend with the trip to Hednesford Town.

Published Sunday, January 5, 2003