Ninety minutes could be all that divide Blue Square South club Chelmsford City and a place in the First Round Proper against Coca-Cola Football League opposition.
City meet Stevenage Borough in the last Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, with Head Coach Glenn Pennyfather reaffirming: “it’s the best cup competition in the world.”
The City boss leads his side out at Melbourne for the huge kick-off knowing if they cause an upset against the Blue Square Premier high-flyers it will lead to even greater excitement for the club as the big fish enter the fray, and a larger than average attendance is expected as a result. Pennyfather explained: “Any FA Cup game is a fantastic time as it’s the best cup competition in the world and the whole of the club and the town is buzzing.”
“I was lucky to be involved in a quarter final match at Ipswich Town and it still holds its magic for everyone. The support of the fans on the day will be enormous and I’m not sure our supporters realise how important they are. When we have a big crowd who are fully behind the lads it gives them such a massive lift and when away sides come here and are up against that wall of sound it can have a deflating effect on them. The Claret Army are vital and they can be that twelfth man for us.”
Chelmsford could be without one or two key players going into the tie, but Pennyfather is keen to keep his cards close to his chest with regards team selection. He added: “I was especially pleased with our appetite in the league game last week as it would have been easy for the players to take their eyes off the ball not wanting to miss this one. On the day we will be fully prepared and we’ll make sure they know what to expect. We’ve had Stevenage watched a couple of times and know their styles of play so we’ll be looking to exploit some of their weaknesses.”
Pennyfather confirmed the dressing room is “alive” with anticipation for the game, a point which stalwart defender Steve Ward reinforced, claiming: “Now we’re this close and within touching distance of the hat for the First Round we want those feelings again that we had after the Dartford game as we were celebrating then like we’d won the FA Cup! On a big cup day I wake-up and it feels different and whether we put in a good performance depends on how much we want to achieve as players in our careers. I was telling the boys it took me 13 years to get to the First Round so don’t take it for granted that you will get there every year. It’s a massive game for the club.”
City have also boosted the depth of their squad with the signings of young goalkeeper Lewis Batchford and defender Max Johnson from the club’s successful under-18 team. Both have impressed in a squad which enjoyed a lengthy run in this season’s FA Youth Cup and the youngsters have been rewarded with Blue Square South registrations. Johnson, however, is unavailable for the FA Cup after becoming cup tied whilst appearing for neighbours Maldon Town in a previous round.
Stevenage, meanwhile, are in top form in the Premier as they attempt to chase down leaders Oxford United and make competing against Football League clubs a more regular occurrence next season.
Boro’s only competitive loss came against their title rivals in August but the resulting fight-back has been impressive and they have conceded more than one goal in a game on just two occasions. With a host of top non-League names amongst their ranks, the Hertfordshire club will provide a stiff test for the Clarets.
