Chelmsford City v Hungerford Town
Where: Salerno way, Chelmsford, CM1 2EH
When: 2nd February 2019
K.O 3PM
The first lot of 2019 fixtures are now behind us and as February starts both these sides have contrasting fortunes. Hungerford picked up 7 points from a possible 15 but with Gloucester picking up 5 and East Thurrock 8 the Berkshire outfit are still in the mire. Even Weston below got 8 points meaning the gap between 19th and 22nd is only 3 points. The battle is only just beginning. With more points still needed a visit to Chelmsford is one of the last places Hungerford would like to go. Chelmsford have won their last 5 at home plus picked up 12 points in January only losing out to Slough away. Hopefully I’ve jinked the form guide and a shock win can come on Saturday.

Form guide- The hosts beat fellow strugglers Dulwich Hamlet 3-1 last time out. Before that they claimed an impressive 2-1 win against Dartford bouncing back from that disappointing 1-0 away loss to Slough. The Crusaders ended January on a low with back to defeats against Wealdstone and Hemel Hempstead. It came after wins over Oxford City and Concord Rangers plus that away point at Gloucester.

Team news- City’s Elliot Omozusi sat out of last week’s win at Dulwich due to injury. Charlton loanee Mikhali Kennedy has returned to the Valley after his loan spell expired. The Crusaders should have everyone available for the trip to Essex. Only Callum Willmoth won’t travel but the midfielder is training with the squad following his long time out.

Star man- Clarets striker Rhys Murphy is the host’s man goal threat. He scored at Bulpit Lane earlier on this campaign and in total has 19 league goals to his name. After last Saturdays poor showing not many could keep their held high but it could have been worse if it wasn’t for Birmingham loanee Michael Luyambula. The shot stopper pulled of one excellent save against Hemel and it wasn’t the first time he’d kept the Crusaders in a match this year.

Head to head- Chelmsford recorded an emphatic 6-0 victory back in August. Last season Hungerford picked up a point home and away in 1-1 draws. In 2016/17 it was an entertaining 3-3 before on the final day of the season it once again ended 1-1.