The Clarets are on the road for the second time this season, as the long trip to the South Coast sees a visit to Weymouth.
The Opposition
Heading into the game, it is 5th vs 4th as, after decent starts for both sides, they are at the top. The Terras suffered open day defeat as they travelled to St Albans but have 7 points from their last 3. Beating Dartford and Hemel Hempstead, they also took a point at home to Taunton. Following on from a difficult season last time out, they’ll hope that this is a sign of things to come as they look to push on.
Last season, Weymouth 19th and survived by the skin of their teeth. They, along with Dover, were locked on 48 points with relegated Dulwich, but succeeded with goal difference. After some transfer movement over the summer, the Terras will be hoping that they see themselves at the right end of the table come the conclusion of the season.
In net, Gerard Benfield hold the number 1 spot. Formerly of Salisbury, he featured for the Terras on loan last season, before permanently signing over the summer.
Defensively, they have Swindon academy graduate Anthony Chesire. He was on the books of Bracknell Town last season, where he impressed against now Championship side Ipswich Town. He got man of the match in their FA Cup encounter, despite the defeat.
In midfield, the Brighton born Max Hemmings has an interesting CV. Having moved to America, he played state College football for Georgia State Panthers. With spells at 3 other American clubs after, he made a return to this side of the pond, as he joined Galway United in Ireland. However, he then joined Weymouth for the conclusion of last season, and remains there for the upcoming season.
Upfront, former Colchester United youth Tom Stagg was signed over the summer. Formerly of Billericay and Grays, as well as Hashtag United on loan, he will look to cause trouble for the Clarets defenders.
Another dangerman is Josh McQuoid. His career has seen him play for clubs such as Bournemouth, Millwall and Luton but he has been a danger for Chelmsford in the past. In a previous meeting down in Dorset, he netted a hattrick as Weymouth took a 4-1 victory, despite the Clarets taking the lead.
Last Season’s Meetings
Chelmsford City 3-1 Weymouth FC (20th August 2022) – Weymouth continued their worst league start for over 100 years as they suffered a battering on the road to the Clarets. A quality brace from Tom Blackwell in the first half saw the Clarets lead until, 5 after half time Tom Blair pulled one back. However, seconds from the end, Callum Jones raced through and was able to get the Clarets a third.
Weymouth FC 1-2 Chelmsford City (21st January 2023) – An early start saw the Clarets down on the coast to play Weymouth. It was Reece Grant who opened the scoring, as he latched onto a through ball and calmly finished to make it 1-0. However, the Clarets were pegged back before half time, with Bradley Ash able to level things up. But, with just minutes remaining, Khale Da Costa found Simeon Jackson in the box, with an open goal, as he fired home a dramatic, late winner.
Team News
Following last weeks draw to Havant, Robbie will have decisions to make to whether he changes up his side. He did so against Welling, so it may be a possibility.
Most players are available to play, but a few question marks remain with Anthony Wordsworth after he was withdrawn with injury in the first half of our win against Welling and Josh Castiglione with the Midfielder picking up an injury in the warm-up late last week before we took on Havant & Waterlooville. Cameron James and Louis Dunne still on the road to recovery from their respective injuries.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 26th August and can be bought by clicking this link.
Ticket prices online:
Adult – £16
Concession (Over 65s, Armed Forces, Registered Disabled, Students in Full time Education) – £12
Youth (13-17) – £6
Junior (7-12) – £4
Under-7s – £0.10 (ALL children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Entry can also be purchased on the day at the Bob Lucas Stadium.
Ticket prices on the day:
Adult – £16
Concession (Over 65s, Armed Forces, Registered Disabled, Students in Full time Education) – £12
Youth (13-17) – £6
Junior (7-12) – £4
Under-7s – FREE (ALL children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Weymouth accept both cash & card. If supporters have not purchased a ticket online before matchday, they can buy tickets from the ticket office prior to going to the turnstiles. Please note that supporters will not be able to pay at the turnstiles for entry.
Weymouth’s ticket office is located to the right of the main stand in the car park. Once purchased, tickets can either be collected or a QR code can be sent to your Email address that you provide. The QR code is then scanned at the turnstiles allowing you entry.
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:
There is no Supporter’s Club Coach for this fixture.
Please be aware that there are rail strikes too, so train travel will be restricted if any.
Directions from the North and East
From the A35 Dorchester By-pass, take the A354 towards Weymouth at the roundabout next to Dorchester Town FC.
In about 2 miles at the top of Ridgeway you will be on the new Weymouth Relief Road and enjoy fine views across the town and bay.
At the first roundabout you come to take the 2nd exit and follow the A354 ‘Town Centre’ signs. At the 2nd roundabout turn right for ‘Town Centre’.
At the 3rd roundabout you will start to see the ‘Wessex Stadium’ signs (signs haven’t been changed to Bob Lucas Stadium). Take the 2nd exit keeping on the A354 and follow these signs. At the next roundabout, Chafeys, take the 3rd exit for B3157 and follow the signs for ‘Wessex Stadium’.
You will start to see the Stadium in front of you. Take the 3rd exit at the next roundabout and into the stadium car park.
Weather
Possible showers may await the Clarets in Dorset but, they’ll be hoping that it is raining goals for them.
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