After defeat at Havant on Saturday, Chelmsford City return to the Melbourne Stadium when they take on improving Slough Town in the Vanarama National League South on Monday 13th February, 7.45pm kickoff
The opposition
Slough Town sit in 16th place after 29 games in the National League South this season. They have won 8, drawn 9 and lost 12, scoring 37 goals and conceding 53 in the league campaign so far which all adds up to 33 league points so far. After a reasonable start to the season, Slough had a horrendous run of league form as they went 12 league games without tasting victory, a sequence which lasted almost 3 months. Since breaking that run by winning at Oxford City on Boxing Day, the Rebels have gone unbeaten in their last 7 league games.
In terms of players, Slough have Bournemouth loanee keeper Will Dennis in goal. In defence they have long-serving full-back Josh Jackman, as well as Maidenhead loanee Temi Eweka, who was sent off against the Clarets in December while playing for Dulwich on loan.
In midfield, some notable players are Matt Lench who is on his second spell at the club, having rejoined from Wealdstone in 2021. They also have experienced former Woking, Swindon and St Albans winger John Goddard who is a danger with his set-piece delivery. They have also brought in former Barnet and Southend winger Louis Walsh.
Up front they have journeyman forward Elliott Benyon, now 35, who appeared for Swindon, Southend, Wycombe and Torquay amongst others who is supplemented by Aldershot loanee Francis Amartey and Ogo Obi, the latter appeared at Melbourne in October, whilst playing for Hemel Hempstead.
Slough’s player-manager is Scott Davies. The former Reading, Aldershot and Chelmsford player took over the reins of the Rebels when long-serving managerial duo Neil Baker and Jon Underwood left last November. Davies is still playing regularly in central-midfield so they appointed experienced coach Tony Fontanelle to lead from the sidelines.
Previous Meetings
Chelmsford picked up their first victory over Slough in the National League South when they won 2-0 at Arbour Park in August with goals from Simeon Jackson and Devonte Aransibia. A goalfest is not guaranteed as there has only been 12 goals in the previous 7 meetings between the 2 sides in the National League South. Chelmsford’s last victory against Slough at home came in December 2006 in the Ryman Premier Division when the Clarets ran out 5-0 winners with goals from Jeff Minton, Stuart Ainsley, Jason Hallett and a brace from Kezie Ibe. The 06-07 season was a season to forget for Slough as they finished bottom of the table, only picking up 18 points and conceding 123 league goals.
Team News
Captain Dave Winfield returns from suspension but Cameron James is still suspended for 1 further match after picking up 10 bookings. Liam Trotter returned from the bench on Saturday but Jamie Yila is still a doubt. Chelsea loanee keeper Eddie Beach also returned to the bench after his slight knock. Harry Lodovica also missed Saturday’s away trip after being injured against Witham in the Essex Senior Cup last week.
Bournemouth loanee Matt Burgess will be missing for Slough with concussion.
Ticket News
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.
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.
It is set to be a cold night in Chelmsford with 6 degrees expected at kickoff, dropping to 4 by the end of the game so wrap up warm.
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