Cheshunt (A) Vanarama National League South Match Preview

Chelmsford City just need a win to guarantee a playoff place when they take on relegation-zone dwellers Cheshunt in the Vanarama National League South on Tuesday 18th April, 7:45pm kickoff.

The opposition

Cheshunt sit inside the relegation zone in 21st place having played 42 games in the National League South this season. They have won 10, drawn 10 and lost 22, scoring 45 goals and conceding 68 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 40 league points. Cheshunt had a poor start to the season, losing 10 league games in a row at one point but have become harder to beat in the second half of the season, but have hit a poor run of form of late with only 1 win in their last 7 league games.

In terms of players, Cheshunt have former Reading and Brighton academy keeper Adam Desbois in between the sticks but also have experienced former Ebbsfleet and Dulwich keeper Preston Edwards in reserve.

In defence they have former Spurs academy defender Jamie Reynolds, as well as Colchester United loanee Billy Cracknell and also long-serving centre-back Taylor McKenzie. In midfield, Cheshunt have promising young Ipswich Town loanee Fraser Alexander as well as QPR loanee Isaac Pitblado. Former Dartford midfield man Alfie Cue came off the bench to score the winner in last week’s win against Weymouth.

In forward areas Cheshunt have signed a former Claret in Barnet loanee Jamar Loza. The Jamaican international played for Chelmsford in the 2019-20 season. They also have former Kings Lynn and Braintree striker Ken Charles as well as experienced Antigua & Barbuda international winger Reece Beckles-Richards. 17 year old Leyton Orient loanee Zech Obiero is also another option in attack.

Cheshunt’s boss is 64 year old Craig Edwards. Edwards, a former boxer, managed Chelmsford between 2005 and 2006, including managing City in the return to Chelmsford in 2006, when the Clarets beat Billericay at Melbourne 2-1. Edwards also managed Billericay to promotion to the National League South and has led Cheshunt to two promotions. 

Previous Meetings

City won the reverse fixture late on 2-0 with goals from Henry Ochieng and Charlie Ruff, although the Clarets were indebted to Ovie Ejeheri’s first-half penalty save. Last season the Ambers defeated Chelmsford at a windswept Melbourne in the FA Trophy, but City haven’t visited Cheshunt for a competitive game since March 2005, when Stafford Browne, Garry Cross and George Lay scored in a 3-0 win for the Clarets. Interestingly Craig Edwards was actually the City manager that day, having taken over the previous December from Steve Moseley.

Team News

City will be without Frankie Terry and Freddie Hockey due to knee injuries. Ben Brookes is a doubt after hitting his head against Hungerford on Saturday and having to be substituted at half-time. Ody Alfa missed Saturday’s game with a knock so will hope to be in contention again.

Ticket News

Online tickets can be bought in advance here.

There are a few spaces on the supporters coach with prices at £15 for adults and £10 for under 18s. The coach departs the Melbourne Stadium at 5.15pm and the County Hotel at 5.30pm. To check availability and to book phone organiser Dave Cresswell on 07582 797001. 

From Chelmsford take the A12 and M25 to Junction 25 with the A10. At the first roundabout turn right into Cheshunt then go left at the next roundabout. Then turn left just past Theobalds Lane Overground station (which is the nearest train station to the ground) and Theobalds Lane Stadium is on the right hand side. There is a large car-park on site. 

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.

Post-match reports and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and ClaretsTV following the game.

It is set to be a cool but dry 10 degrees in Hertfordshire on Tuesday night.