Expectations that this would be one of the coldest days of the winter meant that most County fans awoke seriously doubting that football would be possible at Spytty.  Not only was it possible but County produced a scintillating display against a side unbeaten away from home, with 10 wins and a draw on their travels, and who started the day a mere nine points clear at the top of the table.

There had been a feeling that such a performance has been coming for some time as Dean Holdsworth’s squad has started to grow together.  The Gaffer had few options with selection though, with Paul Bignot and Josh Klein-Davies having left after their loan spells, Craig Hughes ill and Adie Harris suspended.  Apart from Ashley Vickers, he had more of a substitute’s crèche than a bench; there was a first league start in two seasons for Kris Leek in midfield while Rob Duffy was recalled alongside Craig Reid in attack as he opted for a 4-4-2 line-up.  It was hugely important therefore that with help from the fans, the County boss had been able to extend the loans of the Salisbury Two, central defender Aaron Cook and midfielder Wayne Turk.

City boss Jeff King had to make two changes from the team who had won a bruising encounter at home to Thurrock 48 hours earlier with Ollie Berquez replaced in midfield by Bertie Brayley while left-back Ian Cousins came in for centre-half and captain Steve Ward.  King made a few positional switches to accommodate the 4-5-1 counter attacking formation which has served him so well this season.  On this occasion however, the extra man in the middle made no difference for King’s men who were simply swamped in that area as County moved the ball around them and through them with slickness and purpose.  To his credit the Clarets boss was not interested in citing the hard match on New Year’s Day against their Essex rivals to excuse his players, and he acknowledged that County “played very well.”

County started with confidence and bossed the early exchanges though home fans wondered if a rare miss from their talisman Craig Reid after eight minutes might come back to haunt them.  Danny Gay in the City goal gave a performance which alternated between spectacular and nervy, and when he flapped at a cross the ball dropped obligingly at the feet of Reid who managed to miss an open goal.  The County top scorer then miskicked from a Paul Cochlin cross before forcing a save from Gay after showing sublime skill to set up the chance.  Gay made a brilliant reflex stop to prevent an own goal after a Danny Rose free-kick and with Duffy linking well with his strike partner, Chelmsford were struggling to hold on.

The ball found its way into the Chelmsford net in the 33rd minute when Gay lost it under a challenge from Reid but there was no complaint when referee John Busby awarded a free-kick to the keeper.  The traffic was pretty much one way towards the visitors’ goal and the stadium erupted when Reid headed County in front in the 40th minute after another Rose free-kick caused chaos in the City penalty area.  At half-time the fans speculated on how Chelmsford would respond to their first half roasting and whether County would sustain their superiority.  There was also some nervousness as to whether the pitch would deteriorate as the temperature dropped.

As it happened, County fans had no need for concern, as their players continued to win their personal battles all over the pitch and Chelmsford simply had no answer.  Reid enhanced his growing reputation and his second goal in the 64th minute was one of the great goals scored at Spytty.  He lashed the ball in from 20 yards with a force that would have flattened anyone in its way, and with the Shed in fine voice, County’s football was thrilling to watch.  Referee John Busby and his two assistants were playing their part with excellent management of the players, good application of advantage and superb team work.

In the 78th minute, Reid crowned a personal day of triumph with another spectacular goal, heading in yet another perfect Rose set piece in emphatic style.  It was the first home hat-trick at the ground since Matt Green struck three in the 4-1 defeat of Yeading just over two years ago, and it was richly deserved by a forward who is playing his way into County folklore.  Chelmsford right-back Jon Keeling added his congratulations to the Newport forward as the Essex team showed they could lose with dignity.  Kevin James headed a slightly flattering consolation in the 86th minute before the referee was left with no option but to show a red card to Jeff Minton who had survived a couple of warnings after his 16th minute yellow card.  Minton seemed to connect with Cochlin as he swung an arm in an aerial challenge, but the home fans were in forgiving mood and allowed him to depart the pitch in peace.

The final whistle was greeted by home celebrations that the team and manager were entitled to enjoy.  The season has not been easy, but 2009 has certainly started in style.  Chelmsford will want to forget their visit to Wales but they also have plenty to look forward to, and their fans made a big impression and many friends with their conduct.  We wish them well for the rest of the campaign.

Man of the Match

County: Craig Reid (hat-trick hero).

Chelmsford: Kevin James (non stop effort - he deserved his late goal).

Special mention: Aaron Cook (outstanding at the back and a great leader).