After three consecutive weeks on our travels, racking up a hefty amount of mileage, we return to The Focus Community Arena for a midweek matchup versus The Clarets! Let's take a closer look at our opponents, as we look to get back to winning ways this evening...
Founded: 1878 Nickname: The Clarets Stadium: Melbourne Stadium Stadium Capacity: 3065 Manager: Robbie Simpson
Coming into this tie, both sides look to get back to winning ways. Following defeat on the road over in Wiltshire on Saturday, The Tudors look to bounce back with a response on our return home. On the other hand, Chelmsford visit The Focus on the back of a narrow 1-2 defeat at The Melbourne Stadium last Saturday against current league leaders, Farnborough.
History of The Clarets
Founded in 1878, Chelmsford City are a team which have a rich history attached to them.
Their early period of existence saw the club win the Essex Senior Cup in the 1892-93 and
1901-02 campaign. After being founding members of the Athenian League in 1915,
Chelmsford moved into their New Writtle Street ground in 1922. However, after the original
club folded after 60 years, the professional side was formed immediately in 1938 and joined
the Southern League. The FA Cup also saw the Clarets perform impressively, reaching the
fourth round in their first season.
After the Second World War, Chelmsford became the first
team to win the Southern League when football was resumed in the 1945/46 campaign. The
Clarets recreated their heroics of the 30s with another fourth round appearance in the FA
Cup in the 1972/73 season. Most recently, Chelmsford have been a team who have qualified
for the playoffs on multiple occasions, with their highest league table finish coming in last
season, where they lost 2-3 to rivals Braintree Town in the Semi Finals.
Credit: Club Photographer, Jemma Sear (@_Photosbyjem)
The Gaffer - Robbie Simpson
Robbie Simpson comes into this fixture as the current National League South Manager of
the Month for September, and looks to push for another high league table finish for the
Clarets this season. Simpson joined Chelmsford City in 2019 and following the sacking of
Rod Stringer in 2020, Simpson was offered a permanent managerial role, having previously
represented many EFL clubs including Coventry City, Exeter City and Cambridge United.
Since his appointment, Simpson has taken Chelmsford from strength to strength as he looks
to push for promotion at the end of this season.
Played for Both - Jordan Greenidge
Jordan Greenidge’s time at the Tudors was short-lived after joining from Dartford in the
summer of the 2022/23 season. He managed 12 appearances at the beginning of the
season, scoring 3 goals - an average of a goal in 4 games. After being sent to Tonbridge
Angels, Greenidge joined Chelmsford City, where he has started the season quickly. After
his 3 goals in 6 games, Greenidge will look to continue his fine form throughout the season.
Star Man: Osman Foyo
Having joined the Clarets on a season-long loan from Premier League Ipswich Town, Osman
Foyo has made an excellent first impression to the National League South, racking up 5
goals and 1 assist in 9 league appearances so far. Having received a taste of the National
League South previously, Foyo looks to continue his consistent performances to help push
Chelmsford up the table.
The 20 year old’s youth career was based in East Anglia, with Foyo first representing the
Norwich City Academy. After a loan spell to rivals Ipswich Town’s Under 18 setup, Foyo’s
move was made permanent, with a vast amount of potential evident. He progressed from the
Under 18s to Under 23s for the Tractor Boys as he continued to develop.
His first stint of Non League football came last season, as Foyo moved on loan to Torquay
United. This move lasted just a month, in which Foyo picked up 4 appearances before being
sent out on loan to fellow National League South side Welling United. After picking up 3
appearances, Foyo moved back to Ipswich in March, staying there for the remainder of the
season.
Operating as a winger or attacking midfielder, Foyo has proved a threat to many defences,
and a player which will definitely be on the radar of the Tudors. His blistering pace combined
with his end product make Foyo an excellent National League South player.
Chelmsford secure highest league finish in their history
The final day of the 2023/24 season saw Chelmsford draw 1-1 away to Chippenham Town,
which saw the Clarets achieve a fantastic 2nd placed finish in the National League South
with a record points total. With a large following from the Clarets support, Chelmsford City
controlled the first half, with George Alexander’s effort finding the back of the net in the 23rd
minute. On the other hand, the second half saw a much more end-to-end affair, with both
sides having chances to score. The 83rd minute saw Chippenham equalise, with Craig
Fasanmade making no mistake from 12 yards following Amadi-Holloway being brought down
in the area. The Clarets finished the season runners up to Yeovil Town, which meant that a
home leg awaited in the Playoffs.
As we prepare to return home this evening, we wish those associated with Chelmsford safe travels. Let's get back to winning ways Tudors!
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