2019 Ends with a Local Derby

Chelmsford are one of Billericay’s nearest rivals, being just under 9 miles from New Lodge to Melbourne Park.

The two sides have been facing each other since an F.A. Cup tie in 1978 which The Blues won 2-1.

The most recent meeting took place on a Monday night in September. City took the lead and The Blues went down to 10 men as Louis Ramsay was shown a second yellow card.

Two minutes later and Moses Emmanuel had drawn the score level. Billericay held City to a draw and a share of the points.

Both home and away fixtures, last season, with The Clarets took place over Christmas and New Year.

Billericay had appointed Dean Brennan as manager from Hemel Hempstead Town in September and he was tasked with slashing the wage bill and keeping the side competitive.

The club saw an exodus of players who were replaced with signings Brennan knew and was confident with. Some of them never convinced The Blues faithful but have gone on to have a great season this term.

With the new squad coming together Town travelled to Melbourne Park, followed by a double-decker bus full of fans.

The match did not go well as The Blues were well, and easily, beaten by their hosts by 5 goals to 1. Adam Coombes scored Billericay’s lone goal.

Dan Waldren saw red in the second half and the pace of the match slowed down.

The travelling support, less than pleased with the performance, let the management and team know of their frustrations after the final whistle.

Chelmsford came to New Lodge on New Years Day. The segregated crowd of 1,646 saw a vastly improved performance from The Blues, but City won the tie 1-0.

Fifteen days later Dean Brennan and Billericay Town parted company with Harry Wheeler returning to the club.

This will be the 29th meeting between Town and City. Billericay have won 10 of these meetings with Chelmsford winning 12. The Blues have scored 46 times whilst The Clarets have scored 49.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

FORM

Billericay Town
03 Dec | W1-0 v Basildon United (Essex Senior Cup)
07 Dec | L2-3 v Tonbridge Angels
14 Dec | L2-3 v Dartford
21 Dec | v OXFORD CITY
26 Dec | v Concord Rangers

Chelmsford City
02 Dec | W1-0 v HORNCHURCH (Essex Senior Cup)
07 Dec | W4-1 v HUNGERFORD TOWN
14 Dec | W2-1 v HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE (F.A. Trophy)
21 Dec | v Chippenham Town
26 Dec | v BRAINTREE TOWN

FAMILIAR FACES

Many players have worn Billericay blue as well as Chelmsford claret over the years. In the late 1970’s Town manager John Newman made the switch from New Lodge to Writtle Street, Tony Wakefield made the switch with him.

Amongst the current City squad is Chris Whelpdale. Whelps joined Billericay from Maldon Town in 2006. He is best remembered for scoring against Chelmsford City in the semi-final of the Isthmian League play-offs. Town won the subsequent penalty shoot out but were beaten in the final by Bromley, also on penalties.

Frazer Shaw was signed by Craig Edwards, having been part of the youth set-up at West Ham United. He made a handful of appearances during the 2014-15 season before leaving to join Dulwich Hamlet. He later played for Leyton Orient. Frazer joined Chelmsford in the summer from Concord Rangers.

Alex Osborn joined Town on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge during the 2012-13 season in the Conference South. He scored 8 goals for Billericay, the first coming in an away win at Staines Town.

Town signed Jamar Loza from Welling United last season. He made 11 starts for the club scoring 1 goal, which came in the 3-2 away win at Oxford City. Town had been 2-0 down at one stage before fighting back to win the match.