Chelmsford City continue their National League South season with a trip to mid-table Hemel Hempstead in their final away game of the regular season in the league. City booked their playoff spot with Tuesday’s win at Cheshunt but there is an opportunity to finish 2nd or 3rd up for grabs which would book a bye through to the playoff semi-finals.
The opposition
Hemel Hempstead sit in 13th place after 44 games in the Vanarama National League South this season. They have won 15, drawn 14 and lost 15, scoring 48 goals and conceding 54 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 15 league points so far. Hemel are on a 4 game run without a win which has ended their outside chance of a playoff spot. At home Hemel have been strong and have only lost once at Vauxhall Road since Boxing Day in the league.
In terms of players, Hemel have former Oxford and Dartford keeper Craig King in goal who has appeared in 40 league games so far but recently they have given some game time to youngster David Saunders. In defence former Wallsall fullback Kory Roberts as well as Luton Town loanee Josh Williams. They have also recently signed defender Montel McKenzie who made the step up from Essex Senior League side Woodford Town. Fomer Banbury man Jack Westbrook should line up in central defence as well.
In midfield they Boreham Wood loanee and former Wales international George Williams, who has also appeared for MK Dons, Fulham and St Johnstone amongst others. They also have ex St Albans midfielder Bailey Brown. In attacking areas they have talented wide-man Josh Castiglione and former Claret Reece Grant who joined Hemel last month from Chelmsford. They also have Chelmsford born forward Charlee Hughes who scored against the Clarets last season at Vauxhall Road.
Hemel’s boss is the former Braintree and Welling manager Bradley Quinton who has seen an upturn in fortunes after former manager Mark Jones was sacked just after the new year.
Previous Meetings
As the two teams have played in the same league as each other since the 2014-15 season, they have met each other fairly regularly in recent years. Robbie Simpson picked up his first win as Clarets boss against the Tudors last October as Simeon Jackson and Charlie Ruff scored the goals in a 2-1 win. Last season though at Melbourne Hemel took a 2 goal lead through Alfie Cerulli and Craig Fasanmade and all the Clarets could muster was an Ade Oluwo consolation. Last April away at Hemel, City stopped a 7 game losing run but threw away a 2 goal lead which Charlie Sheringham and Matt Rush put them into. Charlee Hughes pulled one back and current Dartford striker Pierre Fonkeu equalised in the 81st minute. However that game was the start of a 5 match unbeaten run which preserved City’s National League South status.
Team News
Liam Trotter, Ben Brookes and Ody Alfa are doubts after missing the last game with injuries. Brookes could feature though if he passes concussion protocols after hitting his head last Saturday against Hungerford.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 3pm kick-off on Saturday and can be bought by clicking this link. Ticket prices are the same online as on matchday at the turnstile.
Adult – £15
Concessions – £10
Under 18s – £5
How to get there
The supporter’s coach leaves at 12 noon from Melbourne Stadium and 12.15 from the County Hotel on Duke Street.
The fares will be £15 for adults and £10 for u18s, thanks to Gavin Smith’s generous sponsorship of the away travel. Chesk availabilty or to book tweet @CCSC_Coach or contact Dave Cresswell on 07582 797001.
Travelling by car
M25 – Leave at junction 21 for M1 North
M1 – Leave at junction 8 for Hemel Hempstead
A41 – Leave at Hemel Hempstead
Nearest Train Station: Hemel Hempstead (London Northwestern Railway)
The stadium is a 45 min walk from the station or a 6-8 min ride in a taxi.
About Vauxhall Road
Entry to the ground is via our Main Entrance off Vauxhall Road. The main turnstiles are located opposite the main gates. For games with bigger crowds additional turnstiles will be in use.
Upon entry to the ground, you’ll be able to purchase a programme and grab some food from our burger van. The clubhouse/bar further is to the right and toilets in the bottom corner. To the left of these is our club shop. There is a large covered terraces at the top end of the ground, a covered all seater stand running along the opposite side of the pitch to where you enter the ground. At the bottom end of the ground (to the right as you enter) is an all seater covered stand behind the goal. Programme is £2.50 and available inside the ground.
Parking
There is a small car park at Vauxhall Road. It fills quickly; Vauxhall Road is a busy residential street and like the car park, the whole area fills up quick. Attempts should be made to park away from the area to ease congestion; if you do park locally then please do so with consideration and respect for our residential neighbours.
Where to follow the game…
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.
Weather
It is set to be a cool day with 12 degrees expected at kickoff with a shower expected during the game.
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