As every National League manager reminds us, “there are no easy games in this league”, but some are historically more difficult than others and Chelmsford City, for a variety of reasons from the Dartford Tunnel closures through to abject refereeing have contributed to our Theatre of Screams. In fairness, there have been occasions when we have been beaten fair and square, but back through the years, something always happens at the Melbourne Stadium and rarely in our favour.
We have won there, five years ago, Tom Parkinson and Tom Beere’s goals gave us a 2-0 win in a game that, bar around 15 officials, was seen by nobody due to Covid restrictions. That, as they say, is sod’s law.
Chelmsford City are 12th in the table, five points better off than the Angels and on Saturday won their third game in four matches with a win at play-off chasing Horsham.
Their man to watch is former Charlton and Nottingham Forest striker Lyle Taylor, the club’s summer marquee signing, who missed our meeting in October. He has 16 goals this season, eight in National League South.
Behind him in the scoring chart is their one former Angels player, Jason Adigun, who had a loan spell at the Yeomans Community Stadium from Dagenham and Redbridge. He has six goals.
In the corresponding fixture last season, the Angels brought home a point with a Liam Vincent goal earning an admirable draw. But, even that was shrouded in despair as many Tonbridge supporters (author included), failed to make it through a blocked Dartford Tunnel.
This season’s return fixture, a couple of months ago, saw the Angels return to earth with a bump following the euphoric win at the Gallagher, with Chelmsford winning 4-2 with goals from Sam Folarin (2), the aforementioned Adigun and Shiloh Remy. Both Tonbridge goals were scored by Brody Peart.
Without being disrespectful, the Melbourne Stadium with its eight lane athletics track, is not a great place to watch football. The imposing main stand is set a long way back and the seating stand on the opposite side is similarly set. At least behind the goals, the spectator areas are within the bends of the track.
Upon entry to the stadium, the food outlets, which are usually very good, and a very well appointed bar are directly in front.
Online admission prices to the game are: Adult £14, Concessions £9, Students (with valid ID) £4, Youths £4 and Under-12’s Free and can be obtained HERE https://chelmsfordcityfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/nls_chelmsford_v_tonbridge . On the gate prices rise by £3.
There is free limited parking on-site with overflow parking available nearby, signage will be in place on matchday.
Chelmsford Railway Station is situated just under two miles away, a brisk 30 minute walk from the stadium. It is served by trains from London Liverpool Street, which is a 32-minute train journey away.
There is a taxi rank at the side of the station otherwise from the street outside, you can catch any of these First Buses No 54, 56 (towards North Melbourne) or No 40 (towards Broomfield Hospital).
Enjoy the game!
