ROD Stringer apologised to the Chelmsford City fans after his side threw away a 2-0 half-time lead to fall to a 4-2 defeat against St Albans City.

Amos Nasha and Rhys Murphy had put the Clarets 2-0 up but four goals from Ralston Gabriel ensured the Hertfordshire side took all the points in the National League South clash.

And Stringer said he felt let down by the reverse.

“For me, you’ve had value for money in the first half, and then basically let down in the second half,” said the Chelmsford manager. “If I had a magic ball I could have foreseen what was going to happen. What kills me is that it wasn’t because they got better, it’s because we played a totally different game.

“We went away from what made us good and never got out of the situation that allowed them back in the game and made us poor in the second.

“I have to apologise to the supporters, they’ve been as good as gold, as far I’m concerned I will get it right, but you pay your money and you are entitled to give criticism. In the second half we let the club down.”

Chelmsford enjoyed an excellent first 45 minutes and took the lead following a high tempo start after just nine minutes - Nasha smashing into the top corner from 25 yards.

Two minutes later Murphy added a second following a neat through ball from Tom Wraight.

Further chances came and went for the hosts before the fightback began.

Gabriel pulled a goal back from the penalty spot within moments of the restart, following an Elliott Omozusi foul on Khale Da Costa.

And the same trio brought about the second spot-kick, which Gabriel scored.

The striker added two more as the half went on to stun Stringer and the home fans.

Chelmsford City: McDonald, Young (Porter 61), Anderson (Fenwick 61), Omozusi, Swaine, Church, Nasha (Chiedozie 67), Spillane, Whelpdale, Wraight, Murphy