MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham Town vs Aveley | National League South | Saturday 5th August 2023

Sam Hart previews our National League South home opener against newly promoted Aveley.

The Bluebirds are back and ready to kick off the new National League South campaign with the first fixture against newly promoted Aveley.

Horgan’s men come off the back of a 2-1 win against Melksham Town in their final pre-season game and will be looking to gain their first three points of the 2023/24 season. There are plenty of fresh faces in the side, with some departures too. 8 new faces have arrived at The Thornbury Surfacing Stadium over the summer, ready to help as the boys in blue look to improve on last season’s 13th place finish. 

The Opposition

Aveley are a club flying through the leagues, achieving back-to-back promotions. They won the Division One North league and the following season achieved promotion via the play-offs after they defeated Hornchurch 1-0 in the final, reaching the National League South.

Aveley FC play at Parkside where it holds a maximum of 3,500 people with 424 seats. Their current manager is Danny Scopes, formerly of Concord Rangers.

The Millers finished last season on 78 points, with a goal difference of +22 proving to be a goalscoring side. They won 23 games last season, as well as drawing nine and losing 10.

This will be the first competitive game between the two sides.

One to watch – Kenny Alieru 

The midfielder joined Aveley in the 2021/22 season and has achieved two promotions with the club. In his first season with the club, he made 19 appearances, scoring 3 and assisting 3 too. His second season is where he really kicked on, becoming a key figure in the side. He played 43 times, scoring 12 goals and grabbing 3 assists.

He began his career with Aldershot Town academy as well as featuring for Clapton and Phoenix Sports. Kenny made his way up through Phoenix Sports reserve team and made 24 appearances for the club in the 2019/20 season, scoring eight goals. This form saw him earn a move to East Thurrock United where he scored three goals in nine games. He left the rocks to join Aveley where he has really made a name for himself.

I think I speak for every fan when saying we are buzzing that the start of the season is right upon us, and we can’t wait to get going.

Come on and join us at The Thornbury Surfacing Stadium on Saturday 5th August.

Admission Prices for the 2023/24 Season

Adults: £15
Senior Citizens*: £11
Junior (16-18): £5

Child (5-15)**: £3

*Also, Students with a student card and serving Armed Forces personnel with an ID card.

**U16’s FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.

Come on you Bluebirds.