GLENN Pennyfather’s Chelmsford City strengthened their position in the top five of Blue Square Bet South and gained ground on some of those above them as goals from six different sources helped to thrash 10-man Bromley.

The match sprung into life when a 16th-minute run and pass from Aiden Palmer on the left supplied Kezie Ibe with his back to goal and he turned and rolled past goalkeeper Tommy Forecast.

Shortly afterwards Adam Tann’s goalbound shot was blocked by the arm of visiting captain, Tutu Henriques who was dismissed. David Rainford converted his spot kick into the top corner.

Bromley then faced a hiding when Max Cornhill picked up a loose ball to ram City’s 28th-minute third from 10 yards.

Striker Michael Bakare and team mate Sam Corcoran then somehow contrived to miss when through on goal before the break but, seven minutes afterwards, Bakare atoned with a decent finish from close range.

Corcoran also had a goal disallowed for offside after a lengthy chat between Referee Ian Cooper and his assistant.

The visitors netted a consolation when Lewis Taylor was allowed space on the edge of the box to find the net with 11 minutes left.

The Clarets’ were not finished though and replied with a Joe Benjamin deflected rocket from distance on 83 minutes and an injury-time strike from Craig Parker, who swept home from a few yards.

Mark Haines thumped the crossbar for Glenn Pennyfather’s men with seconds left.