Chelmsford City FC V Aveley FC, National League South, Melbourne Community Stadium, Saturday 2nd March 2024, 3pm kick-off.
Chelmsford City play the first of two home games in the space of just over two days starting on Saturday, when Robbie Simpson’s men welcome fellow Essex side Aveley to Melbourne Community Stadium.
Second place City’s four game winning run was halted on Tuesday evening when the Clarets came away with a point from Tuesday’s trip to Farnborough; while Aveley registered a midweek away win against Dartford, extending their unbeaten run to four games.
The Millers are currently trailing City in the National League South standings by seven points and sit 8th in the table, setting up a competitive Essex derby between two promotion chasing teams.
Here’s all that Clarets supporters need to know ahead of the game…
Team & match stats:
· Aveley possess the third strongest away record in the league this season, having collected 28 points on the road. Only Chelmsford City (37) and Worthing (31) have collected more away points.
· Saturday’s game will see two of the league’s in-form team clash. Danny Scopes’ side will arrive at Melbourne Community Stadium on a four-game unbeaten run (W3, D1), while Simpson’s men are enjoying a five-match undefeated streak (W4, D1).
· City are looking to complete a league double over Aveley after beating the Millers 2-1 at Parkside earlier on this season.
Opposition:
Aveley FC’s successful first season in the National League South has left the Millers in contention for a third consecutive promotion, with Danny Scopes’ side currently just a point behind the playoff places. Aveley earned promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2021-22 after winning the Isthmian North Division. In their first campaign back in the Premier Division last season, Scopes’ men secured a 4th placed finish before going on to win the playoffs.
Despite rising up the leagues at considerable speed, Scopes’ men have more than held their own in 23-24 and will be hoping to earn another shot at promotion if they can enjoy a strong end to the current campaign. The performances of some former Clarets in particular have been key to placing the Millers in playoff contention, with a former City player scoring in each of Aveley’s last two games.
Wide man Eduino Vaz scored his 4th league goal of the season during the Millers’ 2-2 draw at Torquay last weekend, continuing his impressive campaign so far in an Aveley shirt. Vaz moved away from Melbourne Community Stadium last season after making over 50 appearances in Claret. Attacker Nana Kyei, who enjoyed a short loan spell in a City shirt back in 2019-20, then scored for the Millers last time out against Dartford.
Former Clarets Frankie Terry and Arjanit Krasniqi, who made over a combined 40 league appearances for the club last season, have also been regular starters in Scopes’ side as of late.
A key man for the Millers who hasn’t previously played for Chelmsford City is midfielder Siju Odelusi. The 25-year-old has been in fine goalscoring form this season having found the back of the net 14 times in the league, with his two most recent goals coming in Aveley’s last two games. Odelusi also scored for his side during their 2-1 loss to City back in November, meaning the goal threat of the midfielder will be on the radar of Simpson’s side.
Former Brentwood Town and Maldon & Tiptree forward Charlee Hughes has also been in good goalscoring form in the National League South, after registering nine league goals so far in 23-24.
Team News:
Luke Jenkins warmed up with his teammates ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Farnborough as the defender continued his recovery from a recent injury.
Manager Robbie Simpson confirmed following the club’s midweek draw that Ipswich Town loanees Henry Gray and Finley Barbrook have had their loan deals with the club extended until the end of the season.
Ticketing information:
Ticket prices online:
Adult – £14Concession/Senior (65+) – £9Student (17-24 with valid ID) – £4Youth (12-17) – £4Under-12s – Free
Supporters can also buy tickets on the day at Melbourne Community Stadium. Matchday turnstile prices are as follows:
Adult – £17.00Concession/Senior (65+) – £12.00Student (17-24 with valid ID) – £6.50Youth (12-17) – £6.50Under-12s – Free
How to follow the game:
Radio Clarets will provide live audio commentary of proceedings at Melbourne Community Stadium.
Clarets fans can find pre-match coverage of Saturday’s match and live updates of proceedings in Essex 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.
Words by Jake Dixon.
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