Hemel Hempstead Town v Chelmsford City, National League South, The Focus Community Arena, Monday 21st October 2024, 7:45pm kick-off.
Hemel Hempstead and Chelmsford City will both battle to get back to winning ways when the two sides meet at the Focus Community Arena on Monday night.
Bobby Wilkinson’s men fell to a 3-0 away defeat at Chippenham Town last time out while Robbie Simpson’s were edged out by Farnborough in a 2-1 home loss on Saturday.
The Tudors had enjoyed an eight-match unbeaten start in the National League South but are now on a four-game winless run in the league which stretches back to the beginning of September.
City’s defeat to Farnborough marked the club’s first league loss since the end of August, and Simpson will hope his side can avoid back-to-back defeats by recording their third consecutive away league win during Monday’s match in Hertfordshire.
Here’s all that Clarets supporters need to know ahead of the game…
Team & match stats:
- Hemel Hempstead are undefeated at the Focus Community Arena so far this season (P5, W2, D3).
- Wilkinson’s side have scored 14 home goals in the league during 24-25, only Truro City and Dorking Wanderers (15) have found the back of the net more times at home.
- City are unbeaten in their last three away visits to Hemel (W1, D2).
- Charlie Ruff has scored 4 goals in 3 appearances against Hemel Hempstead Town. He has not scored more goals against any other team currently in the National League South.
Opposition:
Following his side’s third defeat in four games after losing on Saturday, Hemel Hempstead manager Bobby Wilkinson has implored his players to “step up” and “take responsibility” as the Tudors look to find a return to winning ways on Monday.
Wilkinson’s side enjoyed a flying start to the 24-25 campaign, winning six of their opening eight games. Since ending Slough Town’s year-long unbeaten run at Arbour Park at the beginning of September though, the Tudors have gone on a four-match winless run which has coincided with three consecutive losses.
Hemel are the joint-highest goalscorers in the National League South and possess a number of dangerous forward players who Wilkinson will be looking to on Monday. Top scorer Ricky German has found the back of the net five times for the Tudors this season, and will hope to use Monday’s match as an opportunity to get back amongst the goals for the first time since his side’s 4-2 win over Welling United at the beginning of September.
Elsewhere in Wilkinson’s attacking arsenal is striker Joe Iaciofano, who scored a brace of penalties in Hemel’s 2-1 win at the EMJ Community Stadium in the early stages of last season. The Tudors further strengthened their forward line when promising forward Saleem Akanbi joined up with Wilkinson’s squad at the beginning of this month. Akanbi opened his Hemel Hempstead account during his side’s 3-2 loss at Dorking Wanderers.
One former Claret among the Hemel ranks is Chris Smith. Defender Smith enjoyed two loan spells at the EMJ Community Stadium during the 2017-18 season, and went on to win the National League North with Kings Lynn Town during 2019-20. The 26-year-old has racked up over 50 appearances in Hemel colours since he signed for the club last year.
Watch the highlights of last season’s entertaining 4-1 away win at Hemel Hempstead by clicking the video below.
Team News:
Manager Robbie Simpson confirmed in his post-match interview following our game against Farnborough that Oscar Thorn is no longer a Chelmsford City player, after parent club Colchester United opted to recall the 20-year-old from his loan spell at the EMJ Community Stadium.
Kane Crichlow suffered a facial injury during Saturday’s game and could be a doubt for the clash in Hertfordshire.
Ryan Blackman is set to remain absent. Arthur Penney will continue serving his three-match suspension.
Getting there:
Supporters travelling by car to Monday’s game should know that the journey from the EMJ Community Stadium to the Focus Community Arena takes around one hour.
The Chelmsford City Supporters Club coach is travelling to Monday’s game, and at the time of writing, seats on the coach are still available. Details of the Supporters Club coach travelling to Hertfordshire can be seen below.
Matchday & ticketing information:
Tickets for Monday’s match can be purchased online, via Hemel Hempstead Town’s official ticketing website. Tickets can also be purchased on matchday at the Focus Community Arena.
Ticket prices for Monday’s game are as follows:
- Adult – £15
- Concession (Available to over 65s, students in full-time education, military personnel and emergency services. ID will be required) – £10
- Under 18s – £5 (ID required on entry)
How to follow the game:
Radio Clarets will provide live audio commentary of proceedings at the Focus Community Arena.
Clarets fans can find pre-match coverage of Monday’s match and live updates of proceedings in Hertfordshire by following the club’s X (formerly Twitter) page: @OfficialClarets and Instagram page: chelmsfordcityfc.
Post-match reactions will be found on the club’s website, official social media channels and on ClaretsTV.
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