BROOKLANDS moved a comfortable 10 points clear of the relegation zone with a much improved display in a 1-1 draw against Chelmsford at Georges Road.

In the opening stages, Chelmsford threatened to run Brooklands off their feet.

Only a superb diving save from Gary Stoneley stopped Alan Thorogood from scoring what looked like a certain goal and the Brooklands goalkeeper also did well against Will Rogers following a short corner.

Thorogood missed a great chance for the visitors when he rounded Stonely only to shoot wide but nothing could deny Chelmsford taking the lead in the 21st minute when Rogers finished off a short corner drill in fine style.

Brooklands looked to be on a good hiding, but just five minutes later a brilliant long ball forward from deep in his own half by skipper Chris Hovington found Peter Skates a yard in front of the goalkeeper and able to turn the ball past him.

Brooklands went from strength to strength in a fast and highly entertaining second half, dominated now by Brooklands but with their opponents always looking capable of snatching a breakaway goal thanks to their speedy attacking play.

Chris Cheetham was acknowledged the Brooklands man of the match for his immaculate tackling in defence though Simon Gittins must still be wondering how he missed the chance of a winner for Chelmsford when he shot wide with a last-second chance.

A draw was a fair result though because in the second half the visitors goal had even more narrow escapes, especially with a line stop by Andrew Kennedy from Sanjeev Singh and a deflection which prevented Mike Renison scoring.

Brooklands manager Roger Newcombe was pleased and said afterwards : "Our pace of ball and movement was possibly the best we have produced all season.

We played as a unit with everyone working hard for each other.

The tackling was strong and determined.

"It was I think Chris Cheetham's best game of the season.

His tackling was excellent and all told it was a good point for us because Chelmsford are a fast and neat team."

Brooklands are away to Stourport on Sunday, the team they are level on points with in mid-table.

A little comfort

for Brooklands

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