CHELMSFORD City head coach Glenn Pennyfather will be eager to put his team's difficult patch of form behind them in the best possible fashion on Bank Holiday Monday with a win over local rivals Braintree TownPennyfather will be keen for his team to show the displays that saw them race out of the blocks in the opening two games.

CHELMSFORD City head coach Glenn Pennyfather will be eager to put his team's difficult patch of form behind them in the best possible fashion on Bank Holiday Monday with a win over local rivals Braintree Town

Pennyfather will be keen for his team to show the displays that saw them race out of the blocks in the opening two games.

The Clarets have endured a four-match run without a victory since their much-heralded win away at former Blue Square Premier club Woking in their second encounter of 2009/10 and Glenn hopes the atmosphere for this battle of territory will spur his squad on.

“We're looking forward to a big match and the players know exactly what this derby game means to the fans and the club,” he explained after Saturday's 2-1 reverse at home to Bromley. “Braintree have had a better start then us but they also have a new, very young side so both teams will be going out for the win.”

On the injury front, a decision has been made not to rush back central defender Ben Martin after his groin injury, although he could be back for this Saturday's visit of his old club, St Alban's City. His centre-half partner, Simon Glover, and midfielder Ollie Berquez remain on the treatment table long-term and Danny Hockton will be denied the chance to play against his team of last season as he recovers from ankle trouble.

Derbies between these two Essex stalwarts are traditionally passionate and exciting affairs, with a natural crossover of players the result of the close proximity between the two. Aside from the injured pairing of Hockton and Berquez, City also have ex-Irons Craig Holloway and Anthony Cook amongst their ranks. Town could utilise recently-released Clarets winger Jon Keeling in their side, although their own overhaul during the Summer means most of their squad have been obtained from elsewhere.

Robbie Garvey's side sit in sixth position in the early standings having won their first three games, including an impressive 2-1 victory at much-fancied Eastleigh on the opening day. Their last two match-ups, however, have seen them fail to find the net as they succumbed 2-0 at home to Havant & Waterlooville two Saturdays ago prior to a goalless stalemate at Welling United at the weekend.