Chelmsford hope for the really big fish

Chelmsford hope for the really big fish

NINETY minutes could be all that divide Chelmsford City and a place in the First Round Proper against Coca-Cola Football League opposition as they meet Stevenage Borough in the last qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Head coach Glenn Pennyfather leads his side out at Melbourne (ko 3pm) 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. Glenn 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.

Glenn 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!”

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. Borough'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.