PREVIEW

Steve Harris

@steveharris84

MATCH DETAILS

Match details: Torquay United versus Chelmsford City

Venue: Plainmoor, Torquay

Date: Saturday 9^th September 2023

Kick-off: 3pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Torquay: 2

Draw: 1

Chelmsford: 0

FORM GUIDE

Torquay: W, W, W, W, L, W

Chelmsford: W, D, W, W, D, L

TOP SCORERS

Torquay: Brad Ash/ Aaron Jarvis (4 each)

Chelmsford: Callum Jones/Adam Mills (2 each)

CHELMSFORD FACTFILE

Year founded: 1938

Nickname: The Clarets

Last season’s league finish: 5^th in the National League South

Chelmsford notable honours:

Isthmian League Premier Division:

Champions: 2007-08

Southern League:

Champions: 1939-40, 1945-46, 1967-68, 1971-72

MANAGER – ROBBIE SIMPSON

No stranger to the South West from his time as an Exeter City player between 2016 and 2018, Robbie Simpson initially joined the Clarets as a player in 2019 and became interim manager in 2020, following the departure of Rod Stringer.

As a player, Simpson started his career with Cambridge City before moving to near neighbours Cambridge United and progressed on to the likes of Coventry City, Huddersfield Town, Oldham Athletic and Leyton Orient.

SIMPSON STATS

Date of Birth: 15/03/85 (38)

Appointed: 1st Jul 2022

Other Clubs Managed: N/A

PLAYER TO WATCH – JAZZI BARNUM-BOBB

Many of the Plainmoor faithful will remember Jazzi Barnum-Bobb from his loan spell from Newport County during the 2017-18 season, and he is currently in his second spell with Chelmsford.

He initially joined the Clarets following his release by the Exiles, and went on to have spells with Wrexham, Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet before returning to Chelmsford in 2022.

BARNUM-BOBB STATS

Position: Right Back

Date of Birth: 15/09/95 (27)

Birthplace: London

International: St Vincent and the Grenadines (3 Caps/0 Goals)

Height: 1.81m

Former Clubs: Watford, Cardiff, Newport County, Torquay, Wrexham, Dartford, Dulwhich

NLS Stats 23/24: Appearances 6, Goals 1, Yellow/Red Cards 3/0

OLD BOYS

Torquay United: None

Chelmsford: Jazzi Barnum-Bobb

LAST MEETING

Tuesday 2nd April, 2019

Torquay United 3 – 1 Chelmsford City

Torquay made it five wins on the trot and extended their lead at the top of National League South with a comprehensive victory over play-off chasers Chelmsford.

A stunning goal by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans put Torquay in front, the Bristol City youngster cutting in from the right and beating two defenders before driving the ball low into the net. Lemonheigh-Evans also hit the bar with a clever free kick.

But Chelmsford were tough opponents in a cold night at Plainmoor, and hit the woodwork themselves before Lamar Reynolds levelled the scores with a clever chip.

There was little to choose between the sides in a close-fought first period.

Jamie Reid had a penalty saved three minutes into the second half, his second saved penalty in two games, but made no mistake when Ruairi Keating found him with a low cross to finish from close range and make it 2-1.

Jake Andrews added a third for Torquay with a diving header