CHELMSFORD City's mid-season troubles showed no sign of abating at fellow play-off rivals Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday.

The Clarets were beaten 3-1 by Hemel, who are now five points clear of seventh place Chelmsford.

Jordan Parkes’ brace put the Tudors 2-0 up at half-time, while irate away manager Rod Stringer was dismissed from the technical area midway through a disappointing half for the Clarets.

Parkes’ first goal was from the penalty spot after Mark Haines was adjudged to have fouled Will Hoskins.

And his second came directly from a left-wing corner as debut goalkeeper Nathan Gartside was caught out-of-position at the far-post.

Spencer McCall added to the Clarets' problems with a terrific curling effort before substitute Thomas Hitchcock was given a straight red card late in the second half.

Scott Davies netted an injury-time consolation goal but it was far to late as Chelmsford's winless league run stretched to five matches.