CHELMSFORD City made it five matches unbeaten as they defeated Concord Rangers 5-2 in a thrilling Essex derby on Monday.

The win moved the Clarets up to fourth in table ahead of Tuesday night’s National League South programme.

Billy Bricknell’s thunderous close-range strike put Chelmsford ahead in the 26th minute and five minutes later City doubled their advantage when Tom Adeloye tapped home Rory McAuley’s cross.

Things looked bleak for the Beachboys when Aiden Palmer’s deflected free-kick made it 3-0 in the 65th minute.

And things got worse for Concord when Bricknell completed his brace shortly afterwards.

But the visitors from Canvey were not finished and reduced the arrears through Tony Stokes before Steve Cawley made it 4-2.

However Adeloye curled a fine free-kick into the top corner in the 84th minute to ensure the victory.

The seven-goal thriller came after Chelmsford were held to a goalless draw by Wealdstone on Saturday.

Chances were at a premium but Chelmsford will hope to make it six games unbeaten when they travel to Maidenhead United on Saturday.

The Clarets have been drawn at home to National League South high-flyers Ebbsfleet United in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. The tie in on Saturday, September 26.