Chelmsford City finally have the opportunity to take on Hungerford Town for the first time this season in the Vanarama National League South, when they travel down to Berkshire on Tuesday, 31st January (7:45pm kick-off).
The opposition
Hungerford currently sit in 24th & last place after 26 games this season. They have won four, drawn five and lost 17, scoring 20 goals and conceding 37 in the league campaign so far, which all adds up to 17 points.
Hungerford had a mid-table finish in the National League South last season but have struggled so far this campaign, especially after top scorer Ryan Seager moved on to Dorking Wanderers, and talented youngster Sol Wanjua-Smith joining Maidstone United in the summer.
They have had a recent upturn in form though, only losing one of their last eight home games in all competitions, and that was by a 1-0 margin to Tonbridge Angels. They were seconds away from a much-needed win at the weekend, only for a Craig Fasanmade last-minute equaliser for Chippenham Town to deny the Crusaders all three points.
In terms of players, Hungerford have Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Jed Ward on loan in-between the sticks. In defence they have experienced former Wealdstone and Chippenham full-back Rhys Tyler, who is known for his marauding runs down the right. At centre-back in their last match they played Matt Berry-Hargreaves and former Peterhead man Kyle Bailey.
In midfield they have another Bristol Rovers loanee in the shape of Ryan Jones, who had a spell at Bath City last season. They also have former Swindon Town and Hemel Hempstead Town man Jake Evans, and former Eastbourne Borough midfielder Joel Rollinson, who scored the Crusaders’ goal on Saturday. They also have another loanee in the shape of AFC Wimbledon man Dylan Adjei-Hersey. Last week they added Luke Delaney to their squad who came through the academy at Wallsall, but signed to make his debut on Saturday from Shaftesbury Town.
Up front they can call upon Dartford loanee Dan Roberts, who scored 12 goals for Slough Town in the 2019-20 season in the National League South. They also have experienced former Hartlepool United, Billericay Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough striker Niko Muir and Christie Ward on loan from Wycombe Wanderers.
Hungerford’s boss is Danny Robinson. Robinson is in his third season, having joined the club from Thatcham Town where he won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2018. He also won the Hellenic League with the Kingfishers to gain promotion to the Southern League.
Previous Meetings
City have only won once at Hungerford in 5 matches since they were promoted to step 2. That one win was a 6-0 demolition back in August 2018 when current assistant-manager Mickey Spillane was one of six different goal scorers. City lost both games against Hungerford last season, with Ryan Seager scoring a brace in both games.
Team News
Ade Oluwo and Louis Dunne are long-term injury absentees and the game could come too early for either Liam Trotter and Jamie Yila as they come back from injury. Arjanit Krasniqi could return after he missed Saturday’s defeat with illness.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 7:45pm kick-off on Tuesday night and can be bought by clicking this link. Supporters can make a £2.50 saving by purchasing online.
Ticket prices online:
Adult – £12.50
Concessions/Senior (65+) – £10*
Children (ages 11-17) – £5
4 for a Score – £20**
*(CONCESSION – REG DISABLED/ARMED FORCES/EMERGENCY SERVICES/STUDENT) VALID ID REQUIRED
**INCLUDES MATCHDAY ADMISSION/TICKET, OFFICIAL PROGRAMME, PINT AND A MEAL (BURGER, PIE, SAUSAGE OR CHICKEN, WITH CHIPS)
Entry can also be purchased at the turnstiles on the night at Bulpit Lane. Hungerford accept both cash & card at the turnstiles.
Ticket prices on the night:
Adult – £15
Concessions/Senior (65+) – £10
Children (ages 11-17) – £5
Ages 10 & under – FREE*
Carer (accompanying a disabled spectator) – FREE
*MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PAYING ADULT
An official matchday programme can be purchased online or inside the ground on the night for £2.
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.
Post-match reports and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and ClaretsTV following the game.
How to get there:
Weather
It is set to be a cold but clear night in Berkshire with highs of just 4 degrees for kickoff but it should be clear.
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