The FA Cup returns, as the Clarets are heading back to Ware FC, after a preseason fixture here, not too long ago. Robbie will be hoping that his side can repeat the heroics of last season, which saw his side reach the 1st round proper of the FA Cup.
THE OPPOSITION:
Ware FC were founded in 1893 and have only ever reached the Isthmian League division 1. Playing in the Southern League Division One Central, the Blues finished 5th last season but saw it end in disappointment. After managing to beat playoff favourites Biggleswade, they fell in the final as a crowd of 1,938 saw Didcot Town run out 1-0 winners over the Blues. This season, they will hope for better under manager Paul Halsey who has been trying to take Ware up since 2018. This is his second spell in charge having managed Ware in 2009. After that stint, he moved on to be a goalkeeping coach at Essex side Billericay Town, before returning to management. He managed both Hoddesdon Town and Hertford Town before being reunited with Ware FC.
A notable name in the Ware side is former West Ham, Leyton Orient and Ebbsfleet man Freddy Moncur. Son of the former West Ham midfielder John Moncur, Freddy has mainly featured in non-league, aside from 8 Leyton Orient appearances. He has played for some familiar clubs to Chelmsford, such as Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United. Last season, he made 32 league appearances and scored once, at the age of 26. At the back, they have a former Braintree man. Dan Rumens has played in and around Essex, featuring for Dagenham & Redbridge, Braintree, Bishops Stortford as well as Histon and Hendon. Last season, he played 34 times for the Blues, helping his side to a 5th placed finish. Finally, a man to look out for will be Jack Dreyer. The man in midfield has picked up 2 goals and an assist in 5 appearances this season. As well as that, he was awarded man of the match in their 1st qualifying round tie in the FA Cup.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
The sides met not too long ago, as the Clarets kicked off their preseason schedule. With both halves featuring different sides for the Clarets, Ware capitalised, taking a 3-0 victory. As well as that, another preseason fixture was in July 2021. A 5-goal-thriller saw the hosts come out on top, as they won 3-2, in a highly contested fixture.
TEAM NEWS:
It may be a mixed squad this weekend, as Robbie may look to change. Josh Oluwayemi is suspended in net, meaning Jacob Marsden may be the man in goal. Eze Ebuzoeme is returning from his suspension, so is back and ready for action.
As well as this, Louis Dunne and Cameron James remain on the pathway to recovery.
HOW TO GET THERE:
There is a supporters coach running for this game.
If you’re driving, here are directions – From the Melbourne Stadium, head East to the A414 where you travel for just below 15 miles to Harlow. Here, follow the A1025 and A1019 to Fifth Ave/A414. Then, follow the A414 to the A1170 in Hertfordshire. Take the A1170 exit from A10 before continuing, A1170 to Ware FC. The ground is also accessible through public transport. From Chelmsford train station, you take the train to Liverpool Street where you change to greater Anglia Hertford East and go to the Ware station. From here, you will need to either wait for a Bus, the 331 Buntingford service, or endure the 30-minute walk.
Taking the train, you travel to London Liverpool Street, from Chelmsford. From here, a Hertford East train will get to you to Ware (Herts).
TICKET NEWS:
Admission charges are:
Adults – £10
Under-16s and concessions – £5
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.
Radio Clarets will be providing audio coverage during the game, live on Mix.lr.
Post-match reports and interviews will be found on the club website, social media and Youtube channel ClaretsTV, following the game.
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