Loan focus – Ovie Ejeheri impresses as Chelmsford City draw with Barnet in FA Cup

Ovie Ejeheri is relishing the responsibility he has been afforded during his first season in senior football, and the Arsenal loanee produced an encouraging performance as Chelmsford City secured a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw away to Barnet in the first round of the FA Cup this afternoon.

It was a rather quiet first half for Ejeheri, but the 19-year-old did demonstrate that his kicking has improved during his loan spell. He seemed more suited to Chelmsford’s approach of kicking it long rather than Arsenal’s preference for playing out form the back.

Ejeheri made one impressive save in the first half as he reacted quickly to tip the ball over the crossbar.

In the second half the Hale End product was significantly busier and he was pressed into action to make another save.

Barnet took the lead through Ben Wynter in the 49th minute, although Ejeheri wasn’t especially at fault for the goal.

Chelmsford were reliant upon Ejeheri to make a succession of saves, including one with his feet, to prevent Barnet from adding to their lead.

Ejeheri commanded his penalty area with authority and demonstrated his excellent reactions.

It looked as if his efforts were going to be in vain, but there was jubilation for Chelmsford late on as Charlie Ruff scored in stoppage time to force a replay.

Ejeheri has made a major impact during his loan spell so far and will hope to gain plenty of further experience this season, perhaps including an FA Cup run.

In the long term, getting ahead of the likes of Arthur Okonkwo and Karl Hein, not to mention Aaron Ramsdale, will be a significant challenge, but Ejeheri’s first steps in senior football have gone very well indeed.