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Saturday 18 August - Twerton Park - 3.00pm Dr Martens Premier Division 
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| half-time: 0-0 | result: D1-1 | attendance: 828 |
| team: | Hervin, Wyatt (Gosling 89), Powell, Thorne, Towler (c), Kemp, Crandon, Thomas, MacLean (Allison 61), Mills (Zabek 59), Milsom. |
| man of the match: | Gary Thorne |
| scorers: | Own Goal (60) |
| bookings: | Mills (24), Crandon (48) |
| officials: | R Davies (Brize Norton), C Gay (Cam), A Shilston (Redditch) |
| league position: 10th | form: -----D | next match: Weymouth (A) |
After the phoney wars of pre-season City finally began their campaign for real with a 1-1 draw against Dr Martens Premier Division newcomers Chelmsford City - although it took stoppage time equaliser for the Essex side to deny them all three points. In truth a draw was probably a fair result as despite City showing many positive signs they failed to create anything more than a handful of half chances. Manager Alan Pridham's first line-up featured just two players who ended last season at the club, with Thorne, Towler and Kemp forming an excellent back three and Wyatt and Powell occupying wing-back roles. The midfield comprised of Crandon, Mills and Thomas, and up front MacLean got the nod ahead of Allison to partner Milsom.
A heavy and prolonged shower just before kick off made the excellent Twerton Park surface slick and in the early exchanges both sides struggled to get any pattern to their play. It was clear that the visitors were happier sitting back soaking up what attacking intent City could muster and look to the pace of Gentle and Samuels up front to catch their hosts out. Therefore, City had the lion share of possession in the opening half hour but all they had to show for it was a Crandon header high and wide from a Powell cross. On 32 minutes City finally got a clear sight of the Clarets goal when Milsom and Crandon combined to give Powell a shooting chance. His first effort was blocked and the follow up narrowly cleared Hurst's bar. It wasn't until 36 minutes that Chelmsford showed as a attacking force, when Dobinson connected with Hayden's corner only for Hervin to produce a diving save.
The second half began in a similar vein as only a booking for Crandon after 48 minutes enlived the proceedings. However, on the hour mark City finally broke the visitors resistance - although not without a slice of good fortune. Powell fired in another testing cross toward Milsom and Crandon. The challenge sent the ball looping up and in attempt to head it behind for a corner Dobinson only managed to divert past Hurst into the corner of the goal. Chelmsford were now forced to push more forward and with City looking to get a second goal the action picked up a little. The excellent Thorne almost added a goal to his man of the match performance and Milsom headed a Wyatt cross straight into Hurst's arms. As the game reached it's closing stages Crandon looked to have given City the three points with a stunning 25-yard volley, but the ball flew agonisingly inches wide and with stoppage time three minutes old Chelmsford equalised. There seemed to be little danger as City held possession in the middle of the park but a misplaced pass allowed Samuels room down the right flank. He advanced before driving in a low cross that substitute Lewis met and turned past Hervin to the delight of his teammates and group of travelling supporters.