Chelmsford City turn their focus back towards the Vanarama National League South campaign this Saturday, 22nd October when they take on mid-table Hemel Hempstead Town FC in the first of 4 league games in 9 days.
Chelmsford are unbeaten in their last 8 games, with only 2 goals conceded in those matches and have won 7 out of those 8 games.
The opposition
Hemel Hempstead sit in 16th place after 12 games in the Vanarama National League South this season. They have won 4, drawn 3 and lost 5, scoring 12 goals and conceding 16 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 15 league points so far. They are on a 3 game unbeaten run away from home in the league, with a draw at Weymouth and then away victories at Dulwich and Slough. Hemel had not lost in the league since August but they suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Cheshunt who were on a 10 game losing streak in league games.
In terms of players, Hemel have former Oxford and Dartford keeper Craig King in goal who has appeared in all 12 league games so far. In defence former Wallsall fullback Kory Roberts has been an ever-present so far with former Arsenal youngster Jernade Meade featuring regularly as well. The rest of the defence is made up of loanees with Charlie Barker and Harris O’Connor both borrowed from Charlton and Brooklyn Ilunga on loan from MK Dons. In midfield they have experienced National League South campaigner Godfrey Poku who scored against the Clarets in 2017 for Oxford City at Melbourne Park. They also have former Banbury man Jack Westbrook and holding player Dominic Morgan-Griffiths. Former Chelmsford midfielder Dara Dada joined the Tudors in the summer and will be looking to make an impact on his return to Melbourne. In attacking areas they have talented wide-man Josh Castiglione and former Omonia Nicosia striker Jordan Greenidge. Their top scorer this year is Ogo Obi who has 5 league goals but they have also recently brought in former Braintree man Luke Holness to supplement their attack. Former Maldon striker Charlee Hughes is also on their books but has been struggling with injury and has not played since August.
Hemel’s boss is the former Oxford City manager Mark Jones who took over from Lee Bircham in September last year.
Previous Meetings
As the two teams have played in the same league as each other since the 2014-15 season, they have met each other fairly regularly in recent years. Robbie Simpson is still looking for his first win as Clarets boss against the Tudors having failed to beat them last season home or away. The last meeting between the two at Melbourne was last November. Hemel took a 2 goal lead through Alfie Cerulli and Craig Fasanmade and all the Clarets could muster was an Ade Oluwo consolation. Last April away at Hemel, City stopped a 7 game losing run but threw away a 2 goal lead which Charlie Sheringham and Matt Rush put them into. Charlee Hughes pulled one back and current Dartford striker Pierre Fonkeu equalised in the 81st minute. However that game was the start of a 5 match unbeaten run which preserved City’s National League South status.
City before the defeat last November at home were unbeaten against the Tudors in 4 previous home matches. The last City win against Hemel at home was Rod Stringer’s last home league win as Chelmsford City manager back in January 2020 when Chris Whelpdale and Sam Higgins scored in a 2-1 Clarets win. City must hope that former Claret and Tudor Jordan Parkes does not make a surprise appearance as he scored 7 goals against City for Hemel Hempstead.
Team News
Cameron James returned from injury and suspension last week with a late substitute appearance. Khale Da Costa and Callum Jones are expected to be out.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 3pm kick-off on Saturday 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.
Events and attractions at the game
A Q&A with some of our former Clarets from the 1960s will follow the game in the Clarets Bar from approx. 5.15pm.
Bryan King, who has flown in from Norway especially for the event, will also be selling and signing copies of his book “The Lion’s King” which is a must read for any Chelmsford City fan.
Other confirmed attendees are Tony Butcher, Peter Collins, Brian Honeywood, Terry Hayward, Jimmy Elvin, Lance Gooch & John Thurgood.
We look forward to seeing as many supporters as possible to celebrate this golden era.
Also, following a recent request from supporters to have real ale in the bar, we are pleased to announce that Brewers Gold will be on sale tomorrow priced £4.50 per pint.
Get in early as we have limited stock.
Weather
It is set to be a mild day with 17 degrees expected at kickoff with no rain forecast!
by