Chelmsford City secured an admirable goalless draw against Torquay United in their National League South opener.

Against one of the division’s favourites, the Clarets held out in defence under mounting pressure to secure a point at the Melbourne Stadium.

United’s Jamie Reid saw his second half strike ruled out for offside before Matt Young cleared Jean-Wyes Koue Niate’s looping header in added time as both sides took a point from an entertaining fixture.

The Clarets came close inside ten minutes when Rhys Murphy controlled well inside the area, although he was unable to strike home against his former employers.

Brett Williams dragged a weak shot wide for Torquay while Niate, causing problems at set-pieces, was unable to head home at the far post.

The visitors thought they had opened the scoring early in the second half when Reid fired past goalkeeper Ross Worner, but the flag was raised to deny the away side.

Scott Fenwick sent a looping header agonisingly wide for Chelmsford while substitute Max Porter forced a strong save from Shaun MacDonald when he volleyed Taylor Miles’ corner at goal, to the home fans’ dismay.

Torquay thought they had won the game right at the death when Niate’s header looped over Worner, although Young came out of nowhere to smash the danger away to retain the Clarets’ point.

Chelmsford City: Worner, Young, Wraight, Omozusi, Swaine, Anderson, Church, Amos Nasha (Miles 73’), Reason (Porter 64’), Murphy, Fenwick (Foy 83’)

>But it was to be just one point from Chelmsford's opening two matches.

A goal in the final 15 minutes at Dartford on Tuesday was enough to deny Stringer's team any points.