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Chelmsford City vs Bishop's Stortford

Chelmsford City vs Bishop's Stortford, Monday 27th October 2008, Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre, Kick-Off 7:45pm, Blue Square South.

Chris Duffy could return to the Clarets' defence as they look to take a four-point lead at the top of the Blue Square South table with victory over neighbours Bishop's Stortford at Melbourne Park.

The utility man, now fully fit after injury, may be drafted in to replace Spencer Knight at full-back should Knight fail a pre-match fitness test, while fellow defender Steve Ward continues to miss out with a broken nose.

Head Coach Glenn Pennyfather, assistant to Manager Jeff King in the City dugout, wants the points in order to gain advantage over title rivals A.F.C. Wimbledon ahead of Saturday's Melbourne showdown: "Of course we want to go four points clear ahead of the big Wimbledon game next weekend. Amongst the backroom staff we've spoken of it as it would be a real psychological boost for us."

Stortford have had a disappointing start to the current campaign, winning just three of their opening twelve games, but Pennyfather knows to put Chelmsford in a strong position for the weekend the Hertfordshire outfit need to be negotiated first: "Were we to beat Stortford then beat A.F.C. they would have two games in hand but we would be seven points clear of them with their F.A. Cup commitments still to come. But that doesn't mean we're taking our eyes off the task in hand, which is to win on Monday night."

Dave Rainford has been amongst the goals of late, representing a midfield which is capable of adding to Chelmsford's tally going forward, prompting Glenn to appreciate one of the strengths of the squad: "The style of football we play allows our midfielders to get forward, resulting in Ricky Holmes being top scorer last season and Dave so far this year. But we don't mind who scores for us as long as we keep putting the ball in the back of the net."

Ian Cousins is currently continuing his recovery from injury, having taken part in recent training sessions, while Greg Oates is also taking part in more physical work, Pennyfather adding: "Ian returned to training earlier than we expected but we won't be rushing him back as we need him fully fit. Greg has also been involved in training again, and he's back with huge enthusiasm like it's his first ever experience of football!"

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