Chelmsford City

Ground name: Melbourne Stadium

Capacity: 3,000 (seated 1,300)

Address: Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre, Salerno Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2EH

Telephone no 01245 290959

Fax no 01245 290958

Pitch size: 110 x 64 metres

Nickname: The Clarets

Club founded: Officially 1938, although there had been a Chelmsford team since 1878

Year ground opened: 2006

Home kit colours Claret & White

Official website www.chelmsfordcityfc.com

Unofficial websites: www.chelmsford-city-fc.co.uk

What's the ground like:

A large Main Stand runs the length of the pitch but is set back from the playing area because of the stadium's athletics track. Mobile 'terracing', capable of accommodating a total of 600 people, is placed inside the track and behind each goal before kick-off, allowing home supporters to create more of an atmosphere than such grounds generally provide. There is additional seating in a shallow stand opposite the Main Stand, and various vantage points around the rest of the perimeter fencing, including raised terracing in front of the Main Stand.

Where to drink?

The Clubhouse Bar, which is open to visiting supporters apart from in exceptional circumstances when segregation is required. In such cases, alternative arrangements are made.

Where to eat?

Burgers, chips, teas and coffees are available from the Tea Bar facilities

How to get there by car and where to park:

Leave the M25 at junction 28 and join the A12, which is signposted Chelmsford. After nine miles, take the exit for Chelmsford/Harlow. Join the dual carriageway, passing a golf course on the left, until reaching the first of two roundabouts. Go straight over the first, then turn left at the second, signposted Chelmsford Crematorium. Eventually take the A1060 (Rainsford Road). At second set of lights turn right into Chignall Road, and take another right soon afterwards into Melbourne Avenue. Turn left into Salerno Way in front of the big block of flats. Ample free parking is available in the Centre's car park adjacent to the stadium, although early arrival is recommended to secure a place. For bigger matches, overflow parking is arranged on the nearby park.

Nearest train station and directions:

Chelmsford; buses 54 and 56 run a regular 15-minute service, departing from the old Bus Station opposite the train station. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the rear of the station.

Admission prices:

Adults £10; concessions £6.50; Junior Clarets £3. (Seats in the stand incur an extra £1 charge payable at the turnstiles).

Local rivals:

Billericay, AFC Hornchurch

Record attendance:

16, 807 v Colchester United, Southern League, September 10, 1949

(At Melbourne Park, 3,201 v AFC Wimbledon, Ryman League Premier, March 15, 2008)

Local places of interest:

The Essex Police Museum, which can be visited by making an appointment with the curator, contains material from 1840, while the 15th century Chelmsford Cathedral is one of the smallest in England but very attractive. If visiting during the cricket season, the county cricket ground is in New Writtle Street.