CHELMSFORD City’s perfect start to the season was ended by early National League South table-toppers St Albans City on Monday.

The Clarets were beaten 2-0 at Melbourne Park, with goals in either half from Tom Gardiner and Rhys Murrell-Williamson doing the damage.

After a bright opening by the hosts, the Hertfordshire side struck first blood.

On 19 minutes, a free-kick was sent into the danger zone and Gardiner headed past goalkeeper Sam Beasant.

Kudus Oyenuga saw a goal chalked off for offside, with an uncharacteristic defensive error putting the game beyond Chelmsford.

Beasant’s poor pass to Craig Braham-Barrett was intercepted by Murrell-Williamson and he made no mistake with the finish.

Chelmsford looked for a route back into the match in the final 30 minutes but it wasn’t to be.