Chelmsford City return to action after 3 consecutive postponements when they take on Essex rivals Braintree Town in the Vanarama National League South today on Monday 26th December (KO 3pm)
The opposition
Braintree sit in 8th place having played 21 games in the Vanarama National League this season. They have won 10, drawn 5 and lost 6, scoring 34 goals and conceding 26 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 35 league points. Braintree are on a six game unbeaten run in all competitions and they have progressed into the 4th round of the FA Trophy after a penalty shootout win over Farnborough. However they have not won away from home in the league since October, losing heavily at Dartford, and suffering a 1 goal defeat at Weymouth before a goalless draw at Taunton.
In terms of players, Braintree have former Welling and Blackpool keeper Jack Sims. In defence they signed in the summer former Colchester and Southend defender John White, now 36 years old. They also have former Cambridge United defender Leon Davies, as well as former Wealdstone and Bromley centre-back Jack Cawley who is on loan from Maidstone. In midfield they have Bermuda international Willie Clemons, as well as former Hampton & Concord man Kyran Farrell. They also have Chris Regis, who has played for clubs all around the country, from Port Vale to Truro! Up front Braintree have some talented individuals, including two former Clarets in Lamar Reynolds, who switched from Concord in August and Matt Rush, who spent time last season on loan at City from Southend United. They also have former Norwich youngster Alfie Payne and Aaron Blair who has scored 5 in 10 league games on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge. Another player to watch out for is talented former Arsenal and Crystal Palace youngster Alfie Matthews who had a spell at Welling last season.
Braintree’s boss is 34 year old Angelo Harrop. Harrop was appointed in the summer after a successful spell as joint-manager of AFC Sudbury, he previously managed Stanway Rovers. Braintree also have in their management team former Claret Head of Football Operations Steve Pitt.
Previous Meetings
Chelmsford are undefeated since 2010 against Braintree, when Sean Marks scored twice in a 3-0 victory. Last season Chelmsford beat the Iron 3-0 at home with Simeon Jackson scoring twice and Tom Blackwell netted his first goal for City. Blackwell also scored at Cressing Road last season although Braintree fought back from 2 goals down to grab a draw. Chelmsford have scored 11 goals in their last 3 meetings against Braintree at Melbourne including a memorable game when City were 2-0 down at half-time but thanks to a Danny Imray inspired second half came back to win 4-2.
Team News
Chelmsford City have a few injuries and suspensions to deal with ahead of the festive fixture. Ovie Ejeheri and Jacob Marsden were unavailable for the scheduled Wealdstone match so academy keeper Aaron Cassie was scheduled to start in goal so it will be interesting to see who starts between the sticks for Chelmsford. Due to the postponements Eduino Vaz and Jamie Yila’s suspensions have yet to start so they will both be unavailable. Callum Jones returned to the bench after being out since August although Khale Da Costa was still not ready. Louis Dunne and Ade Oluwo remain out with their long-term injuries. Samson Esan has returned to Maidenhead after his month on loan at the Clarets. Former Braintree striker Reece Grant is available though to make his Chelmsford City debut after not being eligible to play in the FA Trophy match.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 15:00pm kick-off on Boxing Day and can be bought by clicking this link.
Adult – £13
Senior (65+) – £9
Concession – £9
Full-Time Student – £5
Youth (12-17) – £5
Under-12s – Free
Entry can also be purchased at the turnstiles on the day at the Melbourne Community Stadium.
Ticket prices on the day:
Adult – £15
Senior (65+) – £10
Concession – £10
Full-Time Student – £5
Youth (12-17) – £5
Under-12s – Free
A programme will be available to purchase on the day for £3 or a digital subscription to The Claret can be purchased here.
Where to follow the game…
The Club will be only 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.
Christmas Draw
The legendary Chelmsford City FC Christmas Draw is back, fancy taking home a £250 cash price or winning one of the other great prizes between Christmas and New Year? Well, now is your chance as we officially launch the Chelmsford City FC 2022 Christmas Draw!
The CCFC Christmas Draw is offering you some great prizes this year:
· £250 cash
· £100 Amazon Voucher
· Raceday Entry & a meal for 4 in the Fairwood Restaurant at Chelmsford City Racecourse
· 4 pairs of Entry Tickets to any race meeting at Chelmsford City Racecourse
· Hospitality for 4 (including 2 course meal) in The Claret Club at any 1st team league game
· Matchday experience with the 1st team squad
· Signed Chelmsford City Away Shirt
· Signed ball
· 2 x hospitality tickets in the West Stand – Tottenham vs Aston Villa
· Other prizes to be confirmed
Tickets will be available from Saturday 3rd December, and will be priced at £1 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased in the supporters’ hut or bar on matchdays, at the club during office hours or by completing the online form.
Entries close at 3.00pm on Monday 26th December 2022. Any entries after this date shall be deemed invalid.
The Christmas Draw takes place at half-time during the Braintree game on Monday 26th December 2022.
We want to make CCFC’s 2022 Christmas Draw as successful as possible so please spread the word and send this link to as many friends, family, work colleagues, etc, as you can.
If you have any further questions about this year’s Christmas Draw, please contact CCFC General Manager Phil Crowe at: phil.crowe@chelmsfordcityfc.com
Weather
It is set to be a clear but chilly afternoon with highs at kickoff about 6 degrees.
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