Glenn Pennyfather counted his blessings that City avoided an FA Cup replay and had a free midweek to help them prepare for this Saturday’s Blue Square Bet South trip to Maidenhead United, kick-off 3:00pm, although the Clarets’ boss still has injuries to contend with as they head to York Road.

City brushed Tonbridge Angels aside, 3-0, last weekend to make progress in the Cup and book a tie with Lowestoft Town on Saturday 15th October, though Glenn’s immediate concern is building on their total of league points. High on confidence, Chelmsford are looking upwards once more and Pennyfather hopes his side continue their form in Berkshire.

He said: “The FA Cup sideline has been of immensely good benefit for us, as was the work at Nuffield Health last week. It’s great for team bonding and it was useful that we avoided a replay and had no game in midweek as sometimes a rest is as beneficial as the workout. It’s a long, hard season and it gives us the opportunity to recover from minor knocks.”

Other than the omission of long-term absentee Craig Parker in midfield, who continues to progress well from injury, goalkeeper Stuart Searle will sit out again to fully recover from his groin strain. Meanwhile, there are concerns over the condition of skipper David Rainford and a final analysis will take place on his fitness before the squad is selected.

Aside from a pair of 4-0 reverses in their first two fixtures, United recorded some impressive early results, Manager Drax Hippolyte steering them to positive performances against Bromley, Thurrock and Truro City which pushed them into the top five. They, like Chelmsford, had FA Cup success in midweek by knocking out Farnborough after a replay.

“Maidenhead have had a good start and a mixed bag since then,” Glenn added. “Drax has said in the paper that he’s got injuries and suspensions though they had a good result with just ten men the other day and overcame Farnborough, which is no mean feat. We’re proud of our decent away record and want to maintain it.”

Maidenhead United: Address: York Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1SF. Phone: (01628) 636314. Position Last Season: 19th in the Blue Square South. Miles from Chelmsford: 78. Approx. Journey Time: 2 hours. Nickname: The Magpies. Team Colours: Black & White. Ground Capacity: 4,500 (2,000 Covered Terracing). Seats: 400. Official Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/maidenheadunited.

Travel Club Coach: Places can still be booked with Mark Fleming on (07506) 873741.

Directions to York Road: Leave at Junction 8/9 of the M4 and follow the signs for Maidenhead Town Centre. Go under the railway bridge and follow the one-way system round to the first roundabout. Take the fourth exit and take a left at the cinema along Broadway. Go down the hill and the second road on the right is the car park. York Road is a short walk across the road. Nearest Train Station: Maidenhead (0.2 miles).

Weather Forecast: White Cloud. 16 degrees Celsius. Wind 12 mph.

Blue Square Bet Odds: Maidenhead United 7/4, Draw 5/2, Chelmsford City 23/20. Do you fancy a flutter? Then visit www.bluesq.com/chelmsford where you can register to earn money for the Clarets when you open a brand new Blue Square account.

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