Monday night football comes on the road this evening, as we visit The Melbourne Community Stadium to take on Robbie Simpson's Chelmsford City. Coming into this tie, tonight's hosts also secured victory at the weekend, putting four past Farnborough at The Saunders Transport Stadium in a seven goal thriller. On the other hand, The Tudors also come into this on the back of a 4-2 victory at home to Chippenham Town. Looking ahead to this evening, let's first take a look into The Clarets...
Founded: 1878
Nickname: The Clarets Stadium: Melbourne Community Stadium
Stadium Capacity: 3065
Manager: Robbie Simpson
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.
The Gaffer - Robbie Simpson
After announcing that he will be stepping down from his role as head coach of The Clarets at the end of the 2024/25 season, Robbie Simpson has been a true servant at Chelmsford City. 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. Despite sitting in mid-table, Simpson has taken Chelmsford from strength to strength as he looks to push for promotion at the end of his final season with the club.
One to Watch - Kane Crichlow
A standout performer for The Clarets in recent games, is midfielder, Kane Crichlow. A technical attacking-midfielder who knows where the back of the net is, Crichlow was an integral part in Chelmsford's 3-4 victory against Farnborough on Saturday afternoon, scoring a hat-trick to ensure all three points were taken back to Essex.
The Bermudian international joined Chelmsford at the start of 2024/25 from Bishop's Stortford. After making the short trip across the M11, Crichlow has impressed in his spell at The Clarets so far. As well as playing for The Blues, the midfielder has also played for AFC Wimbledon U18s & Watford U21s in his earlier career. A spell over in Greece, playing for AO Episkopi Rethymnou also sits on the individual's CV.
Last Time Out - Hemel Hempstead Town 2-2 Chelmsford City
Our last outing against The Clarets dates back to 21st October 2024, in a tight 2-2 draw at The Focus Community Arena. Now Chelmsford City player, Saleem Akanbi, opened the scoring for Hemel inside 15 minutes before a Chelmsford equaliser from Kalvin Kalala in the 36th minute. Straight after the half-time whistle, the visitors went ahead from a clever finish by midfielder, Charlie Ruff. Needing a response, Joe Iaciofano ensured a point was secured on a chilly Monday evening in HP2, with 20 minutes to go.
Played for Both - Saleem Akanbi
A man that has played for both sides this season, is striker, Saleem Akanbi. In his short spell at The Tudors, the forward man scored a handful of goal, including his stunning strike against Dorking Wanderers at Meadowbank. Having left Hemel for Chelmsford last month, Akanbi has also played for the likes of Cambridge United, Aveley & Concord Rangers.
For those joining us in Essex this evening, we hope you have a safe journey to The Melbourne Stadium. Come on you Tudors.
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