Chelmsford City complete their regular season programme in the National League South against Taunton on Saturday 29th April, KO 3pm. After guaranteeing a home playoff match last Saturday, there are some permutations to be sorted out as the Clarets can still gain a bye through to the play-off semi-finals by bettering Oxford’s result against Bath but Worthing could catch both after a midweek win which relegated Cheshunt.
Opposition
Taunton have had a successful first season at Step 2 level finishing in mid-table and will be looking for a well-earned rest during the summer as they play their 18th league game since the start of March. They also had a successful FA Cup run last year, beating Somerset rivals and new National League South participants Yeovil Town which earnt the Peacocks a trip to League One MK Dons.
In terms of players, in goal they have Southampton loanee Jack Bycroft In defence they have former long-serving Bath defender Dan Ball, as well as experienced defender Jake Wannell who has popped up with a few goals from centre-back. In midfield they have a former team-mate of Chelmsford manager Robbie Simpson at Exeter and Leyton Orient, Lloyd James, who also played for Southampton and Colchester United. They also can field Lee Lucas, who has appeared for both Swansea and Motherwell. In more attacking players, they have Ross Stearn who has scored against Chelmsford 5 times for 4 different clubs; Weston Super Mare, Bath (twice), Sutton and Chippenham spanning from 2012 to 2020. Up front they have former Bath man David Sims-Burgess and youngster Dylan Morgan who has notched some crucial goals in their recent games. Taunton have suffered with injuries and suspensions of late and were only able to name 3 subs in their last game, including veteran goalkeeper Lloyd Irish.
Taunton’s manager is Rob Dray who has led them to 2 promotions, including winning the Southern League Premier Division in 2022. Taunton will be looking forward to more local games next season with Weston Super Mare and Yeovil both coming into the National League South next season.
Previous meetings
The sides have faced each other rarely recently, with the only league meeting earlier in the season, a 0-0 draw in late September last year. Taunton have visited Melbourne before and that was in November 2016 in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy. City were two leagues above Taunton at the time but a stubborn resistance from the men from Somerset looked like it was going to cause a replay. However in the 89th minute a long throw from Chris Bush caused confusion and captain Anthony Church touched in the winner. City eventually progressed to the 3rd round of the tournament that season but were knocked out on a replay by now Football League side Tranmere Rovers.
Team News
City welcomed back Liam Trotter and Ben Brookes last weekend after absences and were able to make their return as substitutes. Ody Alfa is a doubt with his knee injury but Freddie Hockey could be in contention for a return to the squad as he was involved in training this week after his knee injury was progressing well.
Ticket details…
Supporters can purchase their tickets online in advance of Saturday’s fixture against Taunton Town FC and make a saving as has been offered throughout the season.
Tickets are available on line at a discounted advance price to buy here
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.
Post-match events
A lap of appreciation will take place after the game where the supporters can show their appreciation towards the players and the players can show their appreciation to all your support throughout the season.
End Season Player Awards will take place on Saturday 29 April, starting at 6:00pm in the Claret Bar.
The Supporters’ Club will present the awards below on the pitch prior to the Taunton fixture on 29th April.
- Supporters’ Young Player of the Season
- Away Coaches Player of the Season
- Supporters’ Player of the Season
We will then host a presentation evening in the clubhouse from 6:00pm (Presentation starting 7:00pm) when the following awards will be presented.
- Manager’s Player of the Season
- Players’ Player of the Season
- Goal of the Season
- Club Person of the Year
Where to follow the game…
The Club will be providing coverage of the game on Twitter (@OfficialClarets) using the hashtag #TheClarets.
There will also be live audio commentary from Radio Clarets which can be found here
Post-match reports and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and ClaretsTV following the game.
Weather prospects
Temperature on Saturday is set to be a mild and pleasant 15 degrees for the 3pm kickoff with potential outbreaks of sunshine!
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