Applying the finishing touch – Chelmsford City’s Charlie Ruff with the winner (Image: Roger Robinson)

There was a twist in the tail in the race for the Vanarama National League South title as Chelmsford City secured a 1-0 win over table-topping Yeovil Town. 

Charlie Ruff scored the only goal of the game with 73 minutes on the clock to ensure the Clarets remained in third place and maintained the pressure on recently-relegated Yeovil who still sit 12 points clear at the top of the table.

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, Chelmsford manager Robbie Simpson expressed his delight in his side’s performance.

“I thought it was a very good game of football from both sides,” he said.

“Both teams structurally looked great and it had the makings of a top-quality game.

“I am so proud of our players and so pleased for them – we spoke about how we wanted to be defensively against the best side in the league and staying on that note, limiting them to next to no chances.

“Our defensive display was the real foundation for us to play well and we played really attractive football in the first half and created a lot of good opportunities without scoring.

“We probably had fewer chances in the second half but we were clinical with the one chance we got.

“Charlie (Ruff) sniffs out where that ball might drop and he is on the move and that is what good goal-scorers always do.”

Chelmsford make the trip to Farnborough on Tuesday night.