The Blues welcomed Heybridge Swifts to The Arena for our first fixture under the lights on our new 3G pitch. Both sides pushed to get the opening goal, with plenty of chances being created in each of the halves. 

But it was our in form man, Daniel Ogunleye, who gave The Blues the lead in the 23rd minute as he capitalised off the Heybridge back line and cut through the inside before finishing into the bottom right corner.

Ogunleye looked to double the lead on the brink of half time but his shot was hit over the crossbar.

The Blues opened the second half raring to get a second. Kai Brown managed to break free and was one on one with keeper Callum Chafer, but had his shot saved.

Moments later a penalty was awarded to The Blues but Brown’s spot kick effort was denied by Swifts’ keeper Chafer.  

The Swifts began to be clinical with their chances in the final third, during the remainder of the second half. Manny Osei-Owusu got the visitors an equaliser before Andrew Fennell converted from the spot, following a foul in the box by Blues’ keeper Minter, to give Heybridge the lead in quick succession.

It finished 2-1 to Julian Dicks’ Heybridge Swifts.

The Blues are back in action at The Arena this Saturday as we take on step 3 Leiston in the second round qualifier of the Emirates FA Cup.

By Michaela Georgopoulos