Following another long trip to the Southwest, the Clarets are back at home, with Hemel Hempstead coming to Essex. Taking 4 points from them last season, they will look to repeat the end result from this fixture last season, where all 3 stayed in Essex.
The opposition
It has been a disappointing start to the season for the Tudors. After winning their opening 2 games, they have not won in 6. They suffered back to back defeats in game weeks 3 and 4, before having 3 draws in a row. Scoring just 6 goals this season, they sit in 15th place in the Vanarama National League South.
It was a 15th placed finish for the Tudors last season, in an openly competitive campaign. They were 12 points clear of the relegation zone and 14 behind the final playoff place, where they will aim to be come the end of the season.
In net they have a familiar National League South face. Craig King is on his way to 100 appearances in this league, With the majority of them for Hemel, he also has a few whilst he was on the books of Oxford City. He started his career at, now Premier League, Luton Town but did not make any outings in League Two.
In defence they have a former Claret who joined over the summer. Chris Smith featured at the Melbourne Community Stadium in the 2018/19 season, when he was on loan from Ipswich Town. The 25-year-old brought experience from the North, South and National League, having played for Kings Lynns and getting promoted with them.
Yet another player who is no stranger to the Clarets is Arjanit Krasniqi. The Kosovan joined the Clarets following his departure from Dover midway through last season, he came to Essex. He is no stranger to our County, having played from Braintree and Billericay before, as well as a little excursion to Finland. He signed for the Tudors over the summer, already winning fans over, especially with his spectacular strike away to Farnborough.
Up top, a final former Claret is Reece Grant. Much like Krasniqi, his mid-season departure from Dover saw him switch to the Clarets. After 14 games and 3 goals, he was snapped up by Hemel, where he has been since.
Hemel’s manager, Brad Quinton, is a man with good experience. Having played for a few years, he took up management in 2016, aged 38. His first experience on the touchline was his former club Enfield Town. After a season there, he stepped up to take the Braintree Town job where he gained promotion with them to the National League. After his departure there, Welling was his next job, where he lasted a little over a year. He has since been at Hemel Hempstead from late 2022, seeing this season as his first full term in charge of the Tudors.
Last season’s meetings
Chelmsford City 2-1 Hemel Hempstead Town (22nd October 2022) – As the Tudors rolled into Essex, they look to try and break down a tough defence. After a goalless first half, the Clarets won an early second half penalty as Jamie Yila was fouled. Simeon Jackson took responsibility and made no mistake to give Chelmsford the lead. Within the final 10 minutes, 2 goals were seen. Firstly, it was Charlie Ruff to double the Clarets’ lead, before late in second half added time, Josh Lehan got a consolation for the visitors.
Hemel Hempstead Town 0-0 Chelmsford City (22nd April 2023) – The penultimate matchday of the season brought a point for either side. It was a game of missed chances as both sides came close at certain points but neither goalkeeper was going to be beaten.
Team News
After another long trip, there were more casualties. Jazzi Barnum-Bobb went off injured against Yeovil as well as Eze Ebuzoeme getting his 5th booking of the season. Eze will be able to play, and so will Frankie Terry who returns from suspension.
Anthony Wordsworth played the full 90 against Yeovil, so may not be thrown straight into another game. There maybe a return of Josh Castiglione, with further assessments of his fitness to take place. Louis Dunne and Cameron James are still neither back to play.
Where to follow the game…
The Club will be only providing coverage of the game on Twitter (@OfficialClarets) using the hashtag #TheClarets.
The game is being streamed to National League TV, so passes for the match are available to purchase.
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
Although the late kick off, it is set to be mild and dry in Essex, with no threat of rain for Monday night’s fixture.
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