MATCH PREVIEW: CONCORD RANGERS VS CHELMSFORD CITY

 

Stadium: Melbourne Stadium (Capacity: 3,000)

Table Position: 7th 

Top Scorer: Simeon Jackson (10)

Manager: Robbie Simpson

Nickname: The Clarets

2022/23 average attendance: 826

Concord Rangers can record back to back wins for the first time since November tomorrow evening as high-flying Chelmsford City make the short trip down to the Aspect Arena for the final Essex Derby of the league season.

When the two sides last met back in August it was Chelmsford who claimed the bragging rights as an early strike from Charlie Ruff was enough to seal a 1-0 win for City in front of 1,212 spectators.

Many things have changed since that early season clash. Most notably the change in the dugout at Concord with Rob Small taking the reigns in October following the departure of Chris Search, and on Saturday Small picked up his sixth win as Beach Boys boss with a vital 1-0 win over Welling United.

This victory continued Concord's recent good form with Rangers losing just one of their past four games in all competitions. However despite this the Beach Boys are still searching for their first league win on home soil in 2023.

Although this is a good chance that they could find this elusive three points tomorrow as Chelmsford come into this game off the back of a frustrating run of results.

Robbie Simpson's outfit have picked up just one win in their past 10 away games. On top of this a 5-1 win over Dulwich Hamlet last week is their only win in their past five games in all competitions.

On Saturday City fell to a 2-1 defeat in the capital as relegation threatened Hampton & Richmond Borough edged past the ten men of Chelmsford. Experienced defender Dave Winfield was the man dismissed but he still finds himself available for our midweek meeting as his suspension doesn't come into effect until Saturday when the Clarets entertain Worthing.

The recent record when the two sides have met lies firmly in Chelmsford's favour. The side from North Essex are four games unbeaten against Concord, and last season they left the Aspect Arena with all three points with the Clarets coming from behind to win 3-1.

Three points tomorrow could see Concord move to within three points of safety provided Chippenham Town and Cheshunt both lose. They face Taunton Town and Hampton & Richmond respectively.

Key Player

Michael Folivi

A recent arrival at the Melbourne Stadium, attacker Michael Folivi joined City at the end of February and has since made a solid start to life with the Clarets.

The 25 year old is in good form of late scoring two goals in three games for Chelmsford; netting in their draw at Eastbourne Borough and in their win over Dulwich.

Folivi brings with him a vast array of experience having previously played in both the EFL and the Premiership. In 2017 Folivi made his top flight debut for Watford as a second half substitute in the Hornets' 2-0 loss away at Stoke City.

Following his time at Vicarage Road, Folivi went onto represent the likes of Coventry City, Boreham Wood, AFC Wimbledon and Colchester United before making the drop down to the National League South earlier this year.

They've played for both

Tosan Popo

Part of a trio of current Concord men that once played their trade at Chelmsford, defender Tosan Popo is now in his first spell on Canvey Island having rejoined the Beach Boys in the summer of 2020 from Hemel Hempstead Town.

Popo previously played for Chelmsford during a loan spell from Charlton Athletic in the 2011/12 season.

The 30 year old made a handful of appearances for City before heading off to Spain to represent CD San Roque de Lepe.

Nana Kyei

Another Beach Boy who has had more than one stint with Rangers; winger Nana Kyei returned to the Aspect Arena last season having previously played on loan with Concord earlier in his career.

Kyei spent 13 months with Chelmsford following a winter move to the club from Maidstone United.

The 25 year old made five appearances for the Clarets scoring one goal.

So far this term Kyei has bagged three goals for Concord - one of which came earlier this month in the Beach Boys' 2-2 draw with Chippenham.

Ricky Modeste

Concord's second highest goal scorer this term with five goals, Ricky Modeste made the Beach Boys the fourth Essex club of his career following a summer switch from Tonbridge Angels.

Modeste spent five years with Chelmsford at the start of his career from 2007 up until 2012 racking up over 100 appearances for the Clarets.

So far in his successful career the Grenadan international has also appeared for Billericay Town and Witham Town as well as Kent sides Dover Athletic and Dartford.

Form

Concord Rangers

D - 1-1 vs Hornchurch (H) - W 5-4 on pens - Essex Senior Cup

D - 2-2 vs Chippenham Town (A)

L - 0-2 vs Slough Town (H)

W - 1-0 vs Welling United (A)

Chelmsford City

L - 0-1 vs Braintree Town (H) - Essex Senior Cup

D - 2-2 vs Eastbourne Borough (A)

W - 5-1 vs Dulwich Hamlet (H)

L - 1-2 vs Hampton & Richmond Borough (A)

Head-to-head

29/08/2022: Chelmsford City 1-0 Concord Rangers

03/05/2022: Chelmsford City 1-1 Concord Rangers

28/12/2021: Concord Rangers 1-3 Chelmsford City

07/03/2020: Chelmsford City 1-1 Concord Rangers

06/08/2019: Concord Rangers 2-1 Chelmsford City

By Nathan Williams