Hippolyte grinning from ear to ear after Magpies punish profligate Chelmsford

Johnson Hippolyte had a smile from ear to ear after his side beat Chelmsford City 2-0 on Saturday to earn their first league win since Boxing Day.

The Magpies’ manager admitted his side had been outplayed for long periods, but they defended like lions, and new keeper Ashley Timms pulled off a string of fine saves to keep their noses in front.

At the other end Tashan Adeyinka and new signing Charlie Strutton bullied the Clarets’ back-four in a display that was full of running and purpose.

Adeyinka swept United in front after Eddie Hutchinson’s early shot was spilled and Dave Tarpey continued his terrific scoring record for the Magpies this season, heading home the second to kill of Chelmsford’s spirit in the 73rd minute.

Reflecting on his side’s first league win since Danny Green’s double in the 2-0 win over Hayes & Yeading United on December 26, the manager said: “It feels very good.

“There were a couple of draws in that run, so it’s not as bad as it sounds. They were not all defeats. But we needed three points.

“We needed to start picking up and getting ourselves going again.

“And on the back of the Chesham United result  (a 2-0 semi-final win which took the Magpies into the final on Tuesday last week) it was great to get three points today at home.

The Magpies manager also finally appears to be getting the best out of his big striker Adeyinka.

“It’s a funny one because he’s one I spotted in pre-season and we got him in,” said Hippolyte.

“He played some games and I was adamant that he could be the next big striker to come out of this football club.

“But he had an injury early in the season and he’s never looked the same. We’ve had him out on loan, and it’s fair to say he’s sulked a little bit. He also took a lot of managing to get his head right, because we know the ability is in there it’s just getting it out.

He added: “And low and behold at long last he understands it’s not only about scoring and looking good, it’s about working hard for the team; when to work the channels and make a bad ball a good ball. And now he’s doing that not only am I happy, but his teammates are also happy with him.”