Chelmsford City have a change from their Vanarama National League South playoff charge as they make the trip out to the East Coast of Essex to take on Heybridge Swifts in the semi-final of the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup on Tuesday, 28th March, 7.45pm kickoff.
The opposition
Heybridge sit in 6th place having played 33 games in the Isthmian North Division this season. They have won 17, drawn 8 and lost 8, scoring 53 goals and conceding 32 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 59 league points. Heybridge are just outside of the Isthmian North playoffs on goal difference, which is 2 levels below Chelmsford in the National League South. The Swifts have won both of their last 2 games away from home 1-0 but lost their last home fixture to table-toppers Hashtag United.
In terms of players, Heybridge have Dartford loanee Tom Wray in between the sticks. They have recently signed experienced centre-back Myles Anderson who has had a nomadic career, with Heybridge his 18th club. He has appeared in the Football and National League for Aldershot, Exeter, Hartlepool and Torquay as well as spells in Italy with Monza and Chievo. They also have former Dartford legend Lee Noble in midfield, and he scored the winner away at East Thurrock on Saturday. Noble played over 500 games for the Darts. They also have former Concord Rangers midfielder Sam Carter. In attacking areas they can call upon former Millwall man Rob Harvey and the experienced forward duo of Matt Price and Rhys Henry.
Heybridge’s boss is 56 year old Steve Tilson. Tilson took the reins at Swifts in September 2021 after the departure of former manager Julian Dicks. Tilson is a legend at Southend United having played for the Shrimpers for over 10 years and then managing them for 7. He also managed Lincoln City and Canvey Island. Tilson’s assistant is former Chelmsford player Danny Greaves, the son of the legendary Jimmy Greaves.
Team News
There are restrictions regarding the amount of first-team players can play for Chelmsford from their last first team fixture so Robbie Simpson has said he will pick a hybrid side with minutes will be given to first-team players requiring them plus a mixture of reserve and academy players. Goalkeeper Eddie Beach and defender Jazzi Barnum-Bobb are both on international duty.
Ticket News
There is no online ticket purchases with admission available on the gate only
Adults £10
60+ or 16-17 year olds – £5
Under 16s – Free
How to get there
There is no supporters coach for this fixture.
From Chelmsford take either the A414 round Maldon or the B1019 from Hatfield Peverel. Then take the B1022 towards Colchester and Scraley Road is on the right hand-side. Parking is limited so you may have to park on Scraley Road considerately and walk down the road.
The Club will be providing coverage of the game on Twitter (@OfficialClarets) using the hashtag #TheClarets.
There will also be live audio commentary from Radio Clarets.
Post-match reports and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and ClaretsTV following the game.
It is set to be a chilly evening with highs of 7 degrees. It is scheduled to be raining during the day but no need for a pitch inspection thanks to Heybridge’s artificial surface.
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