CHELMSFORD City manager Rod Stringer was relieved to see his side battle their way to three points after a seven-goal thriller with Concord Rangers at the Melbourne Stadium.

On a dramatic afternoon, Stringer was sent to the stands while Anthony Church also saw red as the Clarets edged to a vital National League victory.

Speaking after the match, Stringer said: “It was all about trying to get the three points, to be honest. We knew it wasn’t going to be a spectacle, we knew Concord Rangers are a very tough side to come up against. It was a derby match and there was plenty of drama, but the result was all that mattered.

“Concord were everything we expected them to be. They close down the spaces and simply don’t know when they are beaten. It’s difficult to play your natural game against a side that has that kind of energy levels and mindset.

“We had to get going, have a battle with them and try to win it that way. That’s how it panned out in the end. The strong wind was a problem for both sides, especially with our ground being so open. Concord benefited from it in the opening half. It was our turn after the break.

“Churchie was sent off towards the end, then they scored. It was a tense finale once they got it back to 4-3, but we managed to see the game out. If we achieve what we want this season, we might look back at the end of the season and realise this was one of the games that moved us in the right direction because we managed to get the result.

As well as the three points, Stringer was pleased with other aspects of the Clarets display.

The Chelmsford boss added: “I was delighted to see Shaun Jeffers bag a couple of goals. He came up trumps when we needed him to.

“We also showed all the battling qualities you need if you are to overcome a tough, awkward opponent such as Concord Rangers.

“We kept the unbeaten home record intact. Now we go to Margate cautiously confident.”