OPPOSITION FOCUS | Chelmsford City (H) - FA Trophy Second Round

The Key Info

Founded: 1878

Nickname: The Clarets

Manager: Angelo Harrop

Stadium: The EMG Inspire Stadium

Capacity: 3065 (1311 seated)

The History

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 looking to propel themselves towards the top end of the division as they operate as a full-time outfit with significant investment into their summer transfer window.

Photo Credit: CCFC

The Manager: Angelo Harrop

Angelo Harrop was announced as the manager of Chelmsford City in March before taking control of the side at the end of last season in May. Having gained a promotion from this division with Braintree Town, Harrop has a proven record of success as a National League South manager which he will look to replicate with the Clarets. Having overseen a transfer window full of new incomings, recent form dictates that Harrop’s style of play is having a great impact on these additions.

Photo Credit: CCFC

The Skipper: Dom Odusanya

Having joined Chelmsford after a good season with Eastbourne Borough, Dom Odusanya has been a consistent feature in this team which saw him gain the captaincy before the start of the season. He adds significant quality and National League South experience having represented Maidstone United, Dulwich Hamlet, Welling United and most recently Eastbourne Borough. He has scored one goal so far from 16 league appearances, but will continue to show creativity from central midfield.

 LAST FIVE:

Chelmsford City’s previous five fixtures have shown both perfection and consistency with the Clarets winning all of these fixtures. Alongside their most recent triumph as they ended Hornchurch’s unbeaten start to the season, Chelmsford have also progressed to the second round of the FA Cup after a 4-1 victory against local rivals Braintree Town. For a team who have high ambitions, the Clarets will look to continue this form throughout the season with their hopes set on promotion.

🟢 WON 2-0 vs Hornchurch

🟢 WON 1-0 vs Hampton & Richmond

🟢 WON 2-4 vs Tonbridge Angels

🟢 WON 4-1 vs Braintree Town (FA Cup 1st Round)

🟢 WON 0-1 vs Dover Athletic

ONES TO WATCH:

Photo Credit: CCFC

Name: Lyle Taylor

Joined: August 2025

Position: Striker

The signing of Lyle Taylor this summer was deemed as one of the biggest signings at this level, departing League Two Colchester United. Having been last season’s top goalscorer for the U’s, Taylor has been quick to continue his fine form in front of goal, having already accumulated 8 goal contributions in 10 appearances in all competitions. Having played as high as the Championship, Taylor will look to use his years of EFL experience to help inspire the Clarets to challenge for promotion this season.

Photo Credit: CCFC

Name: Ben Tompkins

Joined: June 2025

Position: Centre Back

Ben Tompkins is a player who needs no introduction to the Tudors faithful, having represented the club over last season. Having joined Hemel from the Luton youth setup, Tompkins made himself a mainstay in defence as himself and Kyle Ajayi established a strong centre back partnership. Having found minutes in a strong Chelmsford squad, Tompkins will look to continue his consistent performances as he will try to prevent a talented front line of his former club.

Photo Credit: CCFC

Name: Jason Adigun

Joined: October 2025

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Joining the Clarets from Kiddersminster Harriers, Jason Adigun has shown his immediate impact as an attacking midfielder. His creative ability combined with a sharp eye for goal has already earned Adigun 5 goal contributions in 7 appearances in all competitions. After scoring 3 goals in his last 3 league fixtures, he will look to make it a fourth goal in as many games against a Hemel side who do not concede many goals