WARE, England (Interstat) — Richard King and Killian Phillips each scored a goal to lift Chelmsford City to a 2-0 victory over Ware on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in an FA Cup first-round match at Wodson Park.

King opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, finishing a pass from Marcus Fraser. Phillips doubled the lead in the 80th minute with assists from Dennis Geiger and Jacob Devaney. The goals came despite a tightly contested first half in which Ware pressed forward but could not find the net.

Chelmsford City controlled possession for long stretches and capitalized on set-piece opportunities. King, a substitute, buried his chance from close range after Fraser’s cross found him unmarked. Phillips, also a substitute, sealed the result with a composed finish after Geiger and Devaney combined to work the ball into the box.

The defensive effort from Chelmsford City limited Ware to few clear chances. Ware’s attack struggled to break through a disciplined backline and goalkeeper who made several routine saves. Ware’s best opportunity came in the 60th minute when a header from a corner sailed just over the crossbar.

Yellow cards were issued three times in the match. Marcus Fraser was booked in the 16th minute for a late tackle. Jacob Devaney received a yellow card in the 75th minute for a tactical foul, and Dennis Geiger followed in the 79th minute for a similar infraction. No red cards were shown.

Chelmsford City’s season record in the FA Cup improved to one win and zero losses with the victory. Ware fell to zero wins and one loss in the competition. Across all competitions, Chelmsford City holds a one-win, zero-loss mark, while Ware sits at zero wins and one loss.

The victory marked a strong debut for Chelmsford City in the tournament, while Ware was left to regroup after a disappointing opening performance. The home side had entered the match with optimism but could not convert its opportunities against a well-organized opponent.

In the 42nd minute, King’s goal came after a sustained period of pressure from Chelmsford City. Fraser delivered a low cross from the right flank that skipped past a defender and landed at King’s feet. King controlled the ball and fired a left-footed shot inside the far post to give the visitors the lead.

Phillips’ goal in the 80th minute came after a quick counterattack. Geiger played a through ball to Devaney on the left side. Devaney then cut the ball back to Phillips, who took a touch and slotted the ball past the Ware goalkeeper from 12 yards out. The goal effectively sealed the match after Ware had been pressing for an equalizer.

Chelmsford City’s midfield controlled the tempo in the second half, with Geiger orchestrating play from the center of the park. The visitors’ defense remained compact, forcing Ware into long-range efforts that rarely troubled the goalkeeper.

Ware’s defensive efforts kept the scoreline close for much of the match, but the home side lacked the finishing touch in the final third. The hosts had a handful of half-chances, including a shot from outside the box in the 55th minute that was saved comfortably, and a header from a corner in the 67th minute that went wide.

The match was played in front of a modest crowd at Wodson Park, which was well-maintained despite recent rain. Conditions were mild with a slight breeze.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Ware 1, Chelmsford City 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Ware with a 52.40 percent probability to win.