MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham Town vs Concord Rangers | National League South | Saturday 4th March 2023

Jamie Oleszynski previews our upcoming home game against Concord Rangers.

Chippenham have the chance to move back out of the relegation zone as Concord Rangers travel to Wiltshire on Saturday.

Bluebirds Form

The Bluebirds are on a run of five successive draws, with each of their last three finishing 1-1 and being winless in 8, stretching back to early January. Chippenham sit just one point from safety, with games in hand on Cheshunt, Dulwich Hamlet and Hampton & Richmond who all sit within a win away.

Both the Welling United and Hemel Hempstead results were particularly infuriating for Chippenham as they initially took the lead in these matches but fell with late goals.

Last time out against Worthing, it was a different affair, with former Bluebird Mo Dabre scoring and getting sent off in the same half. Alex Bray was able to get his second goal in as many matches, when Owen Windsor set him up. The second half amounted to nothing however, but Chippenham would record a good result overall against Worthing who sat in fifth at the time.

Previous Match Center: Chippenham Town 1-1 Worthing

About The Opposition

You’re probably asking how our opponents have been getting, and when looking at the form guides there is much more red than green. Despite Concord Rangers coming out victorious in October, the Essex side have only managed three league victories since. Their last match was particularly disappointing as they shipped five goals to a struggling Weymouth side, with former Bluebird Brad Ash netting twice.

One to Watch

Mo Bettamer has been providing a bright spark in recent weeks for the Beachboys, scoring five league goals since his arrival on loan from Hayes & Yeading in November. A man with pedigree in step 2 of non-league, previously on loan with Maidstone United, Welling United and Hemel Hempstead Town, Bettamer is a forward with a good eye for goal.

The Libyan international has netted in each of the last three that Concord have scored in, proving that shutting him down may be a key way to keep the Essex side quiet.

Gary’s Thoughts

Speaking after the Worthing match, Chippenham boss Gary Horgan has said that the Concord game will be “Just another game of football”, and when it comes down to it, he isn’t wrong. This game could give Chippenham the platform to build as more crunch games such as the two Weymouth ties.

Horgan also said that his side “may need a loan or a permanent transfer” to bolster the team, as a couple of players have picked up knocks in recent weeks.

One such player is new signing Matt McClure who didn’t feature in the draw at Welling but did make a brief cameo off the bench against Worthing on Tuesday. Leighton Tuodolo and Joe Hanks are continuing to train and may feature this weekend.

Come seasons end this game could be seen to be a pivotal result, and the three points that either side gets could send them on course for survival, and another season in the National League South.

Ticket Information

We of course look forward to seeing you all turn out to #TheTSStadium for what promises to be a big test for Gary’s side.

Tickets can be purchased on the gate, priced at:

• £14 for adults
• £10 for concessions, including armed forces personnel along with students who have valid ID.
• £3 for under-18’s
• U16’s get FREE entry when accompanied by a paying adult.

Cash and contactless card payments are accepted at the gate.