The Clarets take on the Rocks at home this weekend and will look to continue their rich run of form after the disappointment of last weekend’s game away at Torquay United got postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

A win for City this weekend could see them go level on points with second-placed Woking; meanwhile a win for the Rocks could see them leapfrog Hungerford Town and Gloucester City into 19th place and out of the relegation zone.

In the reverse fixture at Rookery Hill this season, East Thurrock were 2-0 winners, thanks to goals from former Clarets’ players, Ben Marlow & Sam Higgins in the first half. Despite a dominant display in the second half, City were unable to find a way past goalkeeper, Jack Giddens.

The Essex duo will face each other again shortly after Saturday's meeting as they head to Colchester United's JobServe Community Stadium to compete for the BBC Essex Senior Cup.

A number of the 1988-1989 Southern League Southern Division championship title winning squad will be attending Saturday's fixture as guests of the Club. You can read more about this here:

The Clarets will also be welcoming students from Springfield Primary School, Trinity Road Primary School & the Belstead’s School on Saturday as part of the Club’s Community Project.

Team News:

Defender, Joe Anderson, is doubtful for this weekend's fixture, after picking up a knee injury against Hungerford Town in early February.

Winger, Chris Whelpdale, could return to the starting 11 after being rested for City’s Essex Senior Cup Semi-Final victory over A.F.C Hornchurch.

Central midfielder, Amos Nasha, had his loan spell with the Rocks extended for another month this week, however, he will be ineligible to play this weekend against his parent club.

Rocks goalkeeper Jack Giddens was recently presented with the Vanarama National League South Player of the Month award for January with three clean sheets during the month as he helped revive their chances of surviving relegation.

View from the Camps:

When asked what test he is expecting on Saturday, Manager Rod Stringer said:

“It will be very tough. I wasn’t at the away fixture as I was serving a suspension, but from what I gather we played very well on the day, but couldn’t score and unfortunately made a couple of mistakes that lead to their goals. Give them credit; they came away with a great win.

"We’re in a better place since we last played them last time, so I’m hoping that’s going to be a major factor, but I’m also quite aware that they are as well.

"Overall, I think it’ll be a good game. It’s a local Derby and one where hopefully we'll get a decent crowd in. We will push on and have a real go.”

Rocks defender Steve Sheehan revealed that he is confident the Rocks will avoid relegation, speaking to the Thurrock Gazzette he said:

“We need to start turning the draws into wins and losses into draws,” said the central defender.

“We have got 15 fixtures left but we still haven’t put a run of wins together in the league this season.

“It’s important that we go on an unbeaten run because that will improve our chances of staying in the division, but the mental strength of the squad and the quality that has come in has helped a lot.

“I’m not worried about relegation because I’m confident that we will stay up.”

Admission:

Admission on the day for this weekend’s game is as follows:

• Adults – £15
• Concessions (including Students) - £10
• 12 to 17-year-olds – £5
• Under 12’s – Free

Tickets can be purchased online up to 8pm on Friday 15th February on the Club’s ticketing website here:

Online ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults – £13
• Concessions (including Students) - £10
• 12 to 17-year-olds – £5
• Under 12’s – Free

Social Media:

Chelmsford City will be providing live minute-by-minute coverage of the game on Twitter (@OfficialClarets, #CHEvETU) as well as live audio commentary on Radio Clarets.

Post-match reports, highlights and interviews will be found on the Club Website and Clarets TV following the match.