OLD Southendian men’s first XI thumped Chelmsford’s second XI 8-1 as they continued their promotion charge in style.

As so often has been the case this season, the scoring was opened from a short corner, with top scorer Liam Peoples zipping a drag flick into each corner of the goal to make it 2-0. Shortly before half-time the lead was extended, with Tim Robinson punishing a quick turnover in the opposition defence to sweep the ball hard past the goalkeeper from the top of the circle.

Although Chelmsford continued to battle hard, their defensive weaknesses and inability to retain possession were fully exploited by a ruthless Old Boys team, who scored at regular intervals to open up a seven-goal lead.

This season’s new signings Alex Krekkis and James Beardwell both scored their first goals for the club, with the latter turning home a rasping volley from the left edge of the circle from left-back Andy Barclay.

Chelmsford committed players high and were rewarded with a consolation goal from a short corner drag flick, but the scoring for the day was rounded off by the Old Boys for an emphatic 8-1 win.

With second place Wapping not playing due to a frozen pitch, the Old Boys extended their lead at the top of the table for now to seven points, with just eight games of the season remaining.