CHELMSFORD City boss Glenn Pennyfather has warned his players to be aware of revenge-seeking Thurrock when the two sides meet in the Blue Square Bet South tonight.

The Clarets are nine points behind leaders Braintree with a game in hand and Thurrock have improved greatly since they lost 6-1 at Melbourne Stadium back in the New Year.

Ironically, the heavy defeat was one of the final nails in former Fleet boss Greg Lincoln’s coffin and there has been an upturn in fortune since Grant Gordon and Robbie Garvey took control.

Pennyfather said: “Thurrock will be a completely different proposition this time around as they were on a bad patch then and the local derby factor will add extra spice. They’re a much-changed side and they’ll be out for revenge after our last game.”

Pennyfather, whose Chelmsford side host Braintree in a mouthwatering match next Monday night, said he was delighted there was strong competition in his ranks with striker Billy Bricknell only a week away from a comeback and an unnamed “promising youngster” close to signing on loan from a Football League club.

The manager added: “All our games are must wins at any point of the season. We want to stay on the pace while we’re in the middle of this tough spell of games so it’s great that we have competition for places again.”