The curtain comes down on the Peacocks’ Vanarama National League South campaign when they travel to Chelmsford City tomorrow afternoon (29th April), ko 3.00pm.
It has been a memorable first season for Town at Step 2 of the non-league system with plenty of highs and lows along the way but the primary aim of consolidation and remaining in the National League has been achieved with something to spare. Whilst the trip to Essex gives the potential for the Peacocks to finish the season as high as 13th dependent on a victory and the outcome of games involving Chippenham and Hemel Hempstead, City’s incentive for three points will be based on finishing as high as possible to ensure home advantage in the play-offs which begin on Tuesday evening. The Clarets currently occupy 4th place, level on points with Oxford City in 3rd but with an inferior goal difference while 5th placed Worthing could also sneak above them should results fall in their favour tomorrow.
Chelmsford have suffered only one defeat from their past eight League outings, having won 14 of their 22 home matches this season with six defeats whilst also boasting the best defensive record in the division along with champions Ebbsfleet United, having conceded 47 goals. Another hard game is in the offing then for Town who have proved their mettle with some impressive results on the road and another victory tomorrow would make it nine away from home, one more than they have achieved at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium. Striker Nick McCootie returns following his two game ban to an otherwise unchanged squad. Head of Football Rob Dray is very satisfied with the past nine months, remarking:” So the end of our first season in the National League is nearly here, the highest the club has ever been. The achievement cannot be underestimated finishing where we have and with two good cup runs with a small squad and having played half a season since February 7th. Loads learnt on and off the pitch but for now we need a small reset, understand where we can make things better and go again next year in an even stronger league.”
Traveller Info
Ground: The Melbourne Community Stadium, Salerno Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2EH
Ground to Ground: 199.6 miles (via A303/M3/M25)
Directions: Leave the M25 at Jnct 28 and take A12 towards Chelmsford. Leave the A12 at junction 15, signposted Chelmsford, Harlow, A414 and head towards Chelmsford along the dual carriageway. At the third roundabout, immediately after passing the ‘Superbowl’ on the left, take the first exit into Westway, signposted Crematorium, Widford Ind. Estate. Travel along Westway, which then becomes Waterhouse Lane after the second set of traffic lights. At the next set of traffic lights, (at the gyratory system) take the first exit into Rainsford Road, signposted Sawbridgeworth A1060.Travel along Rainsford Road until you reach the second set of traffic lights. Turn right into Chignal Road and then right into Melbourne Avenue. Salerno Way is then on the left at the end of the football pitches and immediately before the block of high rise flats. Turn left at the mini roundabout for the entrance to the Stadium.
Admission: tickets can be purchased in advance online HERE priced:
Adults £13, Concessions (65 and over) £9, Students & Young Adults (12-17 years) £5, Under 11’s Free
Alternatively pay at the gate:
Adults £15, Concessions (65 and over) £10, Students & Young Adults (12-17 years) £5, Under 11’s Free
Last meeting: it all ended in a goalless draw when Chelmsford visited the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in September. Relive the match highlights HERE