By Adam May

MICHAEL Cheek’s 22nd goal of the season was enough to end a run of two straight defeats as Chelmsford City beat Whitehawk 2-1.

Cheek’s chipped effort from 40-yards put the Clarets back in front just before half-time after Jake Robinson cancelled out an early Joe Ward free-kick.

The Clarets handed debuts to goalkeeper Tom Lovelock, signed from Conference South rivals Sutton United, and Southend loanee Jack Bridge.

The two sides had served up 19 goals in their three encounters earlier in the season – two in the FA Cup and once in the League.

Prior to the match a twenty-minute flurry of snow lightly covered the pitch and it served up another entertaining fixture, and a huge mention must go to the Clarets’ fans who turned up hours before the game to clear the pitch and make it playable.

The home faithful were given a boost on 12 minutes when Joe Ward fired the Clarets in front from the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Nick Arnold fouled Jack Bridge on the left-flank and, from around 35 yards out, Seb Brown was caught too far off his line as Joe Ward’s free-kick flew over him and into the net.

It was exactly the start City manager Mark Hawkes would have wanted but it was short lived. The Clarets should have identified the aerial threat that Tom Cadmore possessed before the leveller when he rose above all to head over.

It was the same player who had a crucial hand in the equaliser when he nodded down Sam Deering’s corner, giving Jake Robinson the simplest of finishes from six yards.

The match was certainly end-to-end although there was little in the way of chances with neither goalkeeper finding themselves having to do that much.

Whitehawk’s Christian Nanetti came closest to breaking the deadlock but had his low shot saved.

But the visitors were punished for that when Brown rushed out of his area to clear the ball right on the stroke of half-time.

His clearance lacked any real conviction however and fell to Michael Cheek. The frontman demonstrated great composure to take a touch before clipping the ball over the head of the helpless keeper and into the net to score his 22nd goal of the season.

Chelmsford are at home again on Saturday when they entertain St Albans City in the league. City head into the match in sevent place and Saints 13th.