Chelmsford City have another long journey ahead of them in the Vanarama National League South when they take on Weymouth on Saturday, 21st January (3pm kick-off).
The opposition
Weymouth sit in 23rd place after 23 games in the Vanarama National League South this season. They have won five, drawn three and lost 15, scoring 25 goals and conceding 46 in the league campaign so far, which all adds up to 18 points.
Weymouth were relegated from the National League last season, and have struggled this campaign, going until October 22nd until they tasted a league victory this season, a run which cost previous manager David Oldfield his job. Since former Hungerford manager Bobby Wilkinson took over, their form has improved with them having a five game unbeaten league run in November and December, however, they have lost their last three league matches.
In terms of players, Weymouth have much travelled goalkeeper Zaki Oualah in between the sticks who had a spell on loan at Billericay Town from AFC Wimbledon last season.
In defence they some a couple of former Southend players in marauding full-back Harry Kyprianou and tall centre-back Dan Matsuzaka, who both joined the Terras from Oxford City. They also have a few loanees in Bournemouth defender Chris Francis and Wimbledon’s Luke Jenkins.
In midfield they have brought in former Hungerford man Scott Rees and also former Eastbourne man Luke Nippard. They also have Xander McBurnie, younger brother of Sheffield United striker Oli.
In attacking areas, they have former Grimsby striker Ahkeem Rose, who is their top league goal scorer with 4 goals. They also have powerful forward Josh Oyinsan who counts Eastbourne Borough and Braintree Town as former clubs. In wide areas, they can count on former Bournemouth and Torquay United winger Keelan O’Connell, and most recently brought in Yeovil Town winger Will Dawes on loan.
Weymouth’s boss is Bobby Wilkinson. Wilkinson led Hungerford into the National League South, and then led Wealdstone to the promotion playoff semi-final in 2019. He then went back down 2 levels to manage Bracknell Town, who he led to the Isthmian South Central division title last season, losing just 2 games. Wilkinson took over at Weymouth in September last year, and this week signed a new deal until the summer of 2026.
Previous Meetings
City beat Weymouth back in August 3-1 with 2 goals from Tom Blackwell and a 90th minute clincher from Callum Jones after Tom Blair had got the Terras back in it.
The last two league meetings at Weymouth have featured a hat-trick from each side. Josh McQuoid scored 3 in a 4-1 win for the home side back in August 2019 and the previous meeting to that at the Bob Lucas Stadium was a 4-1 Chelmsford win in 2010, where Ricky Holmes scored a treble for City. Interestingly in both those games, the team that took the lead ended up losing 4-1.
Team News
Ade Oluwo and Louis Dunne are long-term injury absentees and Liam Trotter could miss the game after a pulled muscle in last weekend’s trip to York.
Jamie Yila also went off at half-time against Ebbsfleet so City boss Robbie Simpson will have some things to think about when it comes to his team selection as City look to end a 5 game winless run on the road in all competitions.
Ticket News
Tickets are now available to be purchased in advance of the 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 21st January and can be bought by clicking this link.
Ticket prices online:
Adult – £15
Concession (Over 65s, Armed Forces, Dorset Carers Card) – £10
Student (in full time education with photo ID) – £7
Under-16s – £4
Under-7s – FREE (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 – £15
Concession (Over 65s, Armed Forces, Dorset Carers Card) – £10
Student (in full time education with photo ID) – £7
Under-16s – £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.
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
It is set to be a chilly afternoon in Dorset with highs of just 6 degrees for kickoff but it should be clear.
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