The Clarets are set to play their first home Essex Senior Cup match since December 2019 when they take on Isthmian North strugglers Coggeshall Town on Monday 9th January with the prize of a quarter-final spot up for grabs. (KO 7.45pm)
The opposition
Coggeshall sit in 20th and last place having played 20 games in the Isthmian North this season. They have won 0, drawn 5, and lost 15, scoring 9 goals and conceding 40 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 5 league points.
Coggeshall’s only victory inside 90 minutes this season was in the previous round when they defeated fellow Isthmian North side Hullbridge Sports 3-1. Coggeshall have struggled this season, failing to register a single league win with over half of the season played. However, they have shown some signs of being more competitive lately after getting a draw at playoff chasing Felixstowe & Walton United and only losing to league leaders AFC Sudbury 1-0.
In terms of players, Coggeshall have former QPR academy keeper Thomas Middlehurst between the sticks. In defence they have former Hashtag defender Rowan Dorling as well as experienced former Witham centre-half Pat Ahern. They also have former Reading youngster Nathan Fuma.
In midfield and attacking areas they have brought in former Concord player Ben Search, son of former Beachboys manager Chris. They have also recently brought in winger Josh Osude who was the winner of the Hashtag Academy series on Youtube, the winner of which progressed to playing in Hashtag’s first team. They have also recently brought in Evan Collard on loan from Stowmarket Town.
Coggeshall have also featured former City striker Jason Hallett this season, who played for the Clarets between 2006 and 2009, though he has not appeared since December 10th after taking a break from the game.
Coggeshall Town’s manager is Jason Maher. Maher previously managed Saffron Walden to a playoff promotion final from the Essex Senior League and was appointed at the Seed Growers in November last year after their previous manager former City striker Cliff Akurang was sacked the previous month.
Maher brought with him from Saffron Walden his assistant manager Mark Hawkes, who was in charge of the Clarets between 2013 and 2016, saving the Clarets from relegation after a disastrous start to the season under Dean Holdsworth. Hawkes, previously at Heybridge Swifts, brought in Michael Cheek and Luke Callander from the Swifts whose goals led City to safety.
Previous Meetings
The last time City faced Coggeshall was also in the Essex Senior Cup, in January 2019 in the quarter final stage. City fielded Jazzi Barnum-Bobb in the 2-1 win, with current assistant-manager Mickey Spillane an unused substitute.
City took the lead when former Coggeshall winger Aaron Cosgrave netted in the 26th minute, with substitute Chris Whelpdale heading in a corner to double the lead 13 minutes from time. Nnamdi Nwachukwu pulled one back for the visitors 3 minutes later to provide a nervy finish, but it was City who progressed to the semis.
Despite being at the Clarets helm for almost 3 years, Robbie Simpson has never managed a home Essex Senior Cup game, with the Clarets being drawn away in their last 4 matches in the competition. Simpson started the last time we played at home in this cup, including current City captain Dave Winfield, in a 1-0 win over Hornchurch where Leroy Lita scored the only goal of the game with a late penalty.
Team News
Chelmsford City have played hybrid teams in the Essex Senior Cup this season, with senior players being rested and academy and reserve team players being given a chance to impress in the first team.
Several first team players coming back from injury or suspension may feature, however, defender Frankie Terry is cup-tied having featured for parent club Colchester United earlier in the competition. As announced earlier today, goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri’s loan spell from Premier League outfit, Arsenal, ends after this match.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 7:45pm kick-off on Monday 9th January and can be bought by clicking this link.
Adult – £10.94 (includes processing fees)
Senior (65+) – £5.72 (includes processing fees)
Concession – £5.72 (includes processing fees)
Full-Time Student – £5.72 (includes processing fees)
Youth (12-17) – £5.72 (includes processing fees)
Under-12s – Free
Entry can also be purchased at the turnstiles on the night at the Melbourne Community Stadium – we accept both cash & card.
Ticket prices on the night:
Adult – £10
Senior (65+) – £5
Concession – £5
Full-Time Student – £5
Youth (12-17) – £5
Under-12s – Free
A free digital programme will be available for supporters to download on the day.
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.
Weather
It set to be a chilly evening with 6 degrees expected at kick-off with hopefully a clear night.
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