Chelmsford are back at home, after 2 consecutive away games. With Cheshunt having been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last Saturday, it is just over a week since there was any action for Chelmsford, unlike their opponents. Last time out, it was the Tolleshunt D’Arcy memorial cup, but the focus is back on the league with the hunt for the playoffs well and truly alive for Robbie and his men.
THE OPPOSITION:
Farnborough sit just 3 places behind the Clarets, in 7th position. They have endured a rather surprising season, with promotion last year coming through the playoffs. The Yellows, managed by Spencer Day, will be hopeful that they can continued pushing and get themselves into the playoffs once again. Spencer Day has been in charge of Farnborough since 2011, having previously had his side in the Conference South for 5 seasons. With league restructures, Farnborough ended up in the Southern League Division 1 central, where they got promoted at first time of asking. 5 seasons later, with 2 being abandoned, they were back into the National League South (previously called the Conference South) and have been a surprise package. Their impressive season has seen them defeat League 2 Sutton United away from home in the FA Cup. Day’s men were knocked out in the next round, after they drew Wrexham, and came to a 4-1 demise.
One of Farnborough’s most notable players is former Chelmsford man Ricky Holmes, who started his career with the Clarets. Playing 154 league games, Holmes notched up 49 goals and was also playing on the international stage. He featured in the 2008 England C squad, where he made his international debut. After Chelmsford, he had spells with the like of Portsmouth, Charlton and Sheffield United before ending up at Farnborough in August 2021. Another Ex-Claret is Zaid Al-Hussaini, who has recently linked up with the Yellows after he left Crawley Town. He featured a handful of times for Chelmsford, whilst on loan in the 2021-2022 season. In terms of goal scorers, it is dispersed amongst the side with everyone chipping in. Another recent signing does seem to bring the goals. Tommy Willard, who has featured off the bench of Aldershot at the Melbourne Stadium this season, has 3 in 4 after a hat trick against Slough. He looks to provide the danger along with Mason Bloomfield, who has 8 goals in 14 games since his January move. Going along with the reoccurring theme, Mason has also played for the Clarets, back in 2015. In between the sticks, Farnborough have experienced shot-stopper Jack Turner, who has mustered up over 400 appearances in his career. He also has had his name in the spotlight, after he scored from his own penalty box for Staines, back in 2014.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
An emphatic win came for Chelmsford, back in January 2015. Early on, the Clarets did fall behind, with Adam Theophanides handing Farnborough the lead. But, from then on it was all Chelmsford. Mark Hughes and Michael Cheek scored before half time, to see Chelmsford go in with the lead. The second half saw Jaanai Gordon, on loan from West Ham at the time, score a brace and his first competitive career goals. His goals were either side of a Michael Richens strike, which momentarily looked to have handed Farnborough a way back into the game. Rohdell Gordon and Nicky Nicolau got a goal each in the second half injury time, to wrap up the 3 points. Earlier this season, it was smash and grab for the Clarets. Jazzi Barnum-Bobb’s low cross was met by Harry Lodovica who turned in with just minutes to go to give the Clarets the 1-0 win. It was hard fought, with Ovie Ejeheri making a great penalty save to deny Hisham Kasimu. On further inspection, both managers agreed the penalty was rather soft and Ejeheri made sure justice was served.
TEAM NEWS:
After some returns to the side last Tuesday, Robbie has a fairly large and fit squad to choose from. Both Jazzi Barnum-Bobb and Eddie Beach have now returned from their international adventures, with Eddie winning twice with the Wales U21s and Jazzi Featuring in a 1-1 draw for St Vincent and the Grenadines. Elsewhere, Freddie Hockey is on the sidelines, after he limped off against Heybridge. Simeon Jackson, Cameron James and Harry Lodovica all played in the Heybridge game and got vital minutes, with the trio all having missed recent weeks through injury. Finally, Dave Winfield has now served his 2-match suspension and is available for selection once again.
TICKET NEWS:
Tickets are available online 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
WHERE TO FOLLOW THE GAME:
To keep up with the game, follow the coverage on the @OfficialClarets Twitter page, where updates will be posted using the hashtag, #TheClarets.
There will also be live audio commentary from Radio Clarets, which can be found before and during the game on our Twitter.
Post-match reports and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and Youtube channel ClaretsTV, following the game.
The game has also been selected for Live Streamed coverage on NLTV. Those wishing to watch the game on this platform can buy a match streaming pass through The National League by signing up for an account here and purchasing a streaming pass here .
by