Essex | Chelmsford stun Braintree to reach FA Cup 2nd round

Chelmsford City 4 - 1 Braintree Town

We have the first upset of this season's FA Cup 

Author | Adam Devlin

Stadium | Melbourne Stadium

Chelmsford City claimed the sweetest of revenge against their Essex rivals Braintree, securing a place in the second round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2012. 

Beaten by the Iron during last season’s promotion run to the National League, the Clarets produced a superb display to turn the tables in style.

First-half goals from Jason Adigun, Lyle Taylor and debutant Jesurun Uchegbulam put Chelmsford firmly in control, despite John Akinde pulling one back from the penalty spot. Taylor struck again after the interval, punishing slack defending to restore the three-goal cushion, before Aidan Francis-Clarke’s red card for violent conduct compounded Braintree’s misery.

READ MORE | Luton Town progress after a seven-goal thriller

It was a commanding performance from Robbie Simpson’s side, who earned every penny of the £47,750 prize money. On this evidence, few teams will fancy a trip to the Melbourne Stadium in the next round.

The new signing was the hero

Chelmsford goalscorer Jesurun Uchegbulam, who made his debut after signing yesterday, told the media after the match: "It's been a whirlwind 24 hours. It's a dream debut for me. I knew I'd be starting before I signed. I was a bit nervous but hopefully I delivered today. I feel like (his) third goal killed the game.

"I know there's a lot of history between the clubs and it being a derby, I am delighted, not just for me, but the team and fans as well. We'll focus on the league and then find out who we have got next."

Final thoughts

Thanks for coming, @braintreetownfc 👋

CCFC 4-1 BTFC FT #TheClarets pic.twitter.com/WdezcgusZq

— Chelmsford City FC (@OfficialClarets) November 1, 2025

Chelmsford simply had more about them on the day and were fully deserving of their victory, booking their place in the next round draw.

Manager Angelo Harrop will take pride in the manner of the performance, his side playing on the front foot throughout, creating chances and never allowing Braintree to settle.