Hurst Watches as U23s Draw at Chelmsford Wednesday, 25th Jul 2018 23:28 by James Ager Blues boss Paul Hurst again watched on as Town's U23s drew 1-1 in a friendly at Chelmsford City on Wednesday evening. Striker Jack Lankester (pictured) put the Blues ahead in the second half, only for Rhys Murphy to equalise for the hosts late on. Town lined-up with Jordan Roberts on the right side of a midfield four and Ben Folami on the left, with Jack Lankester, who came on for the first team at MK Dons last night, just in behind Aaron Drinan. Barry Cotter was among the subs with youngster Dylan Crowe preferred at right-back. Drinan pulled an early effort wide for the Blues, who were then fortunate that Tom Wraight's attempt at the back post at the other end following a quick freekick was straight at keeper Harry Wright. Ross Marshall headed Roberts's curled freekick wide moments later, before Wright got down well to block from Jordan Chiedozie after the Clarets frontman had got the better of Corrie Ndaba. Midway through the half Roberts struck a rather speculative left-foot shot which struck the foot of a post, and Folami saw his follow-up effort saved by Chelmsford stopper Ross Worner. Six minutes before the break, the home side had a good opportunity to open the scoring but Murphy side-footed over from the edge of the box after a cut-back from Wraight, who spent a short spell on trial with the Blues from Witham Town back in February 2015. Neither side made any changes at the break but it wasn't until just before the hour mark that either goal was threatened. The home side did well to work the ball out to Amos Nasha but his low effort went across goal and just wide of the far post. After creating very little going forwards after the break, Town were gifted the opening goal on 69. A Chelmsford corner was cleared and sub Conor McKendry played a long ball forward which was helped back to keeper Worner. However, he was unable to clear his lines and was dispossessed by Lankester, who was left with the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net. After receiving some treatment for an apparent injury, Worner was helped from the field and replaced by a trialist sub keeper, who was quickly called into action and saved well from Folami. McKendry fired over after a tricky run into the box but the hosts then levelled the scores with just under 10 minutes remaining. Scott Fenwick's low ball into the danger area from the left was met by ex-Arsenal and England youth international Murphy, who finished emphatically and gave Wright no chance. Town did get the ball in the net again at the other end with five minutes remaining when Idris El Mizouni squared the ball back to Folami who tapped home from close range, but the French midfielder had already been flagged offside earlier in the move. A difficult surface caused problems for both teams and the game was far from a classic, with few clearcut chances being created by either side and a draw probably being a fair result. Lankester worked hard and had a better second half and Marshall defended well throughout. Roberts showed a few good touches but Drinan struggled to get involved in the game or create many chances in attack. U23s: Wright, Crowe (Cotter 60), Clements (Webber 60), McGavin, Marshall, Ndaba, Folami, McLoughlin (El Mizouni 60), Drinan, Lankester, Roberts (McKendry 60). Unused: Ware, K Brown, Dobra, Akongo. Att: 291.
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