No.33 - Mon.2nd January 2006; Ryman League Premier Division              3pm at the Melbourne Park Athletics Centre (att: 2998; prog: 64 pages £3.00) 

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Chelmsford City (1) 2 Billericay Town (0) 1

Clarets make it a day to remember

After eight years of groundsharing the scene was finally set for Chelmsford City to come back home and it was a fitting tribute that former landlords Billericay Town were the visitors on this most historic of footballing occasions. Much work and preparation had taken place at the new Melbourne Park Athletics Centre before the big kick-off. 

The roll-on-roll-off terracing was in place behind the goals and with a new pitch inside the perimeter of the athletics track, a new 1000 seat stand, improved boundary fencing, and new toilets, turnstiles and catering units, the new 3000 capacity venue was looking in great shape. There have also been minor alterations to floodlighting and athletic field facilities and the football club have met the costs of a new clubhouse, changing rooms and social facilities on land leased to them by the Council.

With ticket prices set at £8.00 and £5.00 for concessions, many spectators had arrived early. By 1.45pm a large queue waited in anticipation to gain access to seats in the new stand. Many others were buying souvenirs, refreshments and patronising the bar. The place was a vibant one, full of excitement and anticipation. The lord mayor wearing his resplendent chain of office was busy talking to the media, broadcasters from Radio Essex had begun interviewing supporters and an army of stewards were making last minute adjustments to their schedules. Word came out that the roads leading to the ground were congested as more and more fans arrived to celebrate and join in on this big occasion. In fact the kick-off was put back 20 minutes due to police safety advice.

The teams entered the field and the atmosphere was electric. Could City make this a dream start? After only thirty seconds the ball was in the net. The Clarets went wild. Alas the assistant on the far side stood firm and pointed across the pitch with raised arm and yellow flag. Offside. No goal. It was thrilling end to end play. On twenty one minutes City forward Jamie Richards struck the ball ball goalwards and this time it stood. The shot was a thunderbolt and sent the fans wild. City doubled their lead when Richards added his second on the hour mark. The visitors got one back with ten minutes left but City held out until the final whistle. The Clarets were victorious and it was the perfect way to mark this special occasion.

A massive 64 glossy page souvenir edition programme sold for £3.00. There were plenty of refreshments on sale although some of the queues were lengthy. The crowd was recorded at 2998. With more home fixtures scheduled in the coming weeks: v Bromley (Ryman League on 07/01); v Grays Ath (ESC on 09/01) and v Leyton (Ryman League on 21/01) it will be interesting to see the attendance figures. After such a long wait most locals are joyous to see their club back in the City where it belongs..

To save a ground description travellers can access the ground photos from this game at the top of this page. For the latest club information log on to the Chelmsford City FC website (address given below).

FGIF Rating 4*. 

Link - Chelmsford City FC website l Map