Clarets fans are being urged to ‘Bring-a-Mate’ to Melbourne Stadium this Saturday at 3pm as part of a special initiative to urge Chelmsford City back to “winning ways” in the Blue Square South.
Struggling Somerset outfit Weston-super-Mare face Glenn Pennyfather’s team, with the Head Coach revealing: “We have an opportunity now to start another run.”
Chelmsford successfully completed their knockout commitments at Bridge Avenue in midweek when they followed-up Saturday’s entertaining 4-4 draw against AFC Hornchurch in the FA Trophy with a 2-1 away win in the replay. Now a distinctive scheme is being introduced to encourage new support through the turnstiles to cheer on the Clarets, with a quality bottle of champagne up for grabs courtesy of The Anchor in Moulsham Street for the person who can bring in as many ‘friends’ as possible.
“With Christmas just around the corner, what better gift can you offer your best friend than a trip with you to watch the mighty Clarets take on their West Country rivals in a fiercely-fought Blue Square South fixture,” explained ringleader Jon Read. “A lot has been made in the last year or so about the recession biting into non-league clubs’ finances so that, coupled with our fans’ legendary goodwill, loyalty and generosity, has seen the Supporters` Club designate this as Bring-a-Mate Day!”
Any new supporters will see a City team brimming with confidence and keen to collect more points towards the club’s promotion push according to Pennyfather, who stated: “The players can’t wait to get back to winning ways in the league and we have an opportunity now to start another run. It’s vital that, now we have a full squad, we take advantage of that and get some competition for places. I want everyone on-form and firing as we’re all pulling towards a common goal and supporting each other.”
City’s only injury concerns are with their regular full-backs, Steve Clark and Michael Haswell.
Right-sided Clark has an ankle knock while Haswell took a blow to the knee in Chelmsford’s midweek FA Trophy replay win at AFC Hornchurch. However, neither are serious doubts and Pennyfather is pleased to see winger Anthony Cook making a full recovery from his injury, adding: “We don’t want anyone playing below 100% and we’ve rested Cooky so he’s in a position to come back into the team in full condition.”
Weston finished seventeenth in the BSS last season and are faring no better this season, sitting in 20th position having conceded three or more goals in five of their last seven games.
The Clarets were victorious in both matches in 2008/09, though Pennyfather believes that will have little bearing this time. He said: “You can have these results against teams, though it’s not a massive record! They had a defeat at Carshalton in midweek and we’ve seen them play twice but all we have to do is make sure we’re spot-on ourselves and stay disciplined.”
