CHELMSFORD City have secured a home play-off semi-final after defeating Eastbourne Borough 3-0 in their final game of the season.

The Clarets knew bettering Hampton & Richmond Borough’s result by at least one goal would see them avoid a play-off quarter-final and secure a semi-final against Hampton or Truro City on Sunday (3pm).

Two goals from Scott Fenwick plus a strike from Anthony Church handed the Clarets all three points.

And manager Rod Stringer is excited at what his team can still achieve this season.

“I am over the moon to achieve what we have done,” said Stringer. “We finished fourth last year and we have bettered that this time around.

“We were beaten in the Essex Senior Cup final [by Billericay Town] but it has still been a good season, and it isn’t over yet.

“We know it will be tough against whoever we play but it will be two of the biggest games in the club’s history.

“We have got excellent support from the supporters and we want to repay them with a good finish and maybe something they never thought we could achieve.”

Stringer named an attacking team for his side’s visit to Sussex, with Chris Dickson, Kudus Oyenuga and Fenwick forming a powerful attacking trio up-front.

However, it was the hosts who looked more likely to score early on. Gavin McCallum regularly threatened for the Sports, causing trouble for City with his accurate crosses.

Lloyd Dawes struck the post for Eastbourne, although the Clarets ended the half the stronger.

Dickson and Fenwick shot off target before the visitors forged ahead.

Fenwick’s header from a Jonny Giles cross just before the hour mark put City ahead.

The striker, who has been an immediate hit since moving to the club, then saw his penalty saved by Mark Smith - something of a surprise after he recently netted back-to-back trebles from the penalty spot - but he leapt at the rebound and prodded home from close range.

Skipper Church sealed the victory late on as his point blank header snuck past Smith at his near post.

Chelmsford City: Jessup, Barnum-Bobb, Braham-Barrett, Omozusi, Haines, Porter, Church (James 85’), Oyenuga (Wallen 80’), Giles, Dickson, Fenwick (Green 89’)