MATTHEW Johnson scored one of the goals of the season as Chelmsford City returned to winning ways in the National League South.

Goals from Johnson and Chris Dickson in the first 15 minutes at bottom club Whitehawk were enough for Rod Stringer’s team on the south coast.

Chelmsford could have led before the 12th minute, as only the impressive Seny Dieng kept the score goalless.

But he was helpless to stop Johnson shortly afterwards. The midfielder waited for a loose ball to reach him before unleashing a half-volley beyond Dieng into the top left corner.

Dickson doubled the visitors’ lead three minutes later as the Clarets won possession in midfield. Lee Barnard's perfectly weighted pass found the run of Dickson and he made no mistake, curling a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Craig Braham-Barrett struck over as the pressure continued to grow but it remained 2-0 at half-time.

Kyjuon Marsh-Brown hit the side-netting for the hosts after the interval, with goalkeeper Sam Beasant scrambling a later effort past the post.

The hosts battled on, as the Clarets were forced into replacing Barnard and Dickson after they picked up respective knocks. But Stringer's team were able to hold on and earn the three much-needed points.

Chelmsford City: Beasant, Omozusi, Braham-Barrett, Porter (West 72'), Smith, Spillane, Rodgers, Johnson, Barnard (Oyenuga 38'), Dickson, Davies (Hitchcock 82')