Chelmsford City will have to overcome a difficult historical record against Kent club Bromley if they are to prevail at Hayes Lane this Saturday.
But Head Coach Glenn Pennyfather can draw from the power of just three league defeats in 24 games when preparing his side for a “massive weekend.”
The Clarets have found Bromley’s home an unhappy hunting ground in the past though six consecutive Blue Square South successes have filled the squad with optimism running into a crucial six-match spell before possibly embarking of their ultimate goal of the play-offs. With a handful of players requiring fitness tests ahead of the clash, Pennyfather remains focussed but positive about his team’s chances of three points.
“It’s a little bit like the Christmas period as games are coming thick and fast and we’ve got to make sure we prepare properly,” he said. “We’ve not done so well against Bromley in recent times – it’s a bit of a bogey ground for us which we hope to put to bed on Saturday. Three league defeats in 24 games is good by anyone’s standards and I think we’ve had six wins in a row so it’s important to keep that momentum going.”
Bromley’s own hopes of a top five berth slipped away several weeks ago having been contenders for most of the season. Their last victory was on 13th March when a pair of goals from Warren McBean saw them defeat Worcester City 2-0, though their prolific striker could now line-up against them as a Chelmsford player since signing on loan in midweek as one of a number of signatures before Tuesday’s registration deadline.
Pennyfather additionally drafted in young former Charlton Athletic defender Taylor Sinfield from Concord Rangers and has seen striker Simon Thomas return as cover and he’s pleased to have a more strength in depth as a result. He added: “The Board and I looked at it and felt the squad was thin. With the prize we’re going for you need a squad in place because football throws things at you and unusual circumstances can arise. I appreciate the Board have made the effort to make funds available.”
