DUNMOW FC could not follow up their cup winning ways of last week as they succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat against Old Chelmsfordians in the league.

Despite dominating for 60 minutes the home side failed to convert chance into goals and eventually conceded a second half winner.

The visitors’ balance of young and old players did not faze Dunmow who started the game full of confidence with a new central midfield pairing of Alex Byatt and Dan Moss.

Crisp passing and regular attacks saw the home side create chances in the first 20 minutes but they were unable to break down a stubborn defence.

Eventually a mistake led to the opener – but for the away side. Dunmow’s defensive line was undone by speculative long ball. First to react was the Chelmsfordians striker who slotted past on-rushing keeper Matthew Boreham.

Dunmow showed great resilience and were back on even terms inside five minutes when some excellent midfield play culminated in Oliver Coopersmith hitting a crisp shot between the keeper’s legs and into the back of the net.

Dunmow came out for the second half all guns blazing but again couldn’t turn their dominance into goals with both Darryl Savage and Oliver Coopersmith both going close.

The visitors again turned the game upside down. A rampaging run from one of the Chelmsfordian’s central midfield players saw Dunmow’s defensive line back off and a spectacular 25 yard shot dipped over Boreham’s head for a dramatic winner.

Dunmow continued to push hard and saw a goal-bound effort from Darryl Savage cleared off the line with 20 minutes to go, Jamie Smith then had a rasping shot saved.

Dunmow’s next game is away to E2V Technologies on the October 2 in the mid-Essex division five.