MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham Town vs Weymouth | National League South | Saturday 22nd March 2025
Matt Chappell takes a look ahead to our Non-League Day clash against Weymouth in the #VNLS.
The #Bluebirds return to league action this weekend as they take on Weymouth in National League South for Non-League Day 2025.
Last Time Out
Chippenham Town suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, all against play-off contenders, as they fell 3-0 to Maidstone United last Saturday at the Gallagher Stadium.
George Elokoni’s side had the first big chance when George Fowler’s shot hit the post. Chippenham failed to clear their lines, forcing Luke Spokes to clear a header off the line. Their best opportunity came from Tyreke Johnson, but his low-driven shot was saved by Alexis Andre Jrmidway through the first half.
Maidstone also hit the crossbar andforced a good save from Josey Casa-Grande, leaving the game level athalftime.
However, the second half belonged to Maidstone. They took the lead just before the hour mark when George Fowler headed in from a corner. The home side doubled their advantage as Charlie Seaman’s cross-field ballfound Corne, who played in Sol Wanjau-Smith to sweep the ball home.
Chippenham tried to respond, with Caine Bradbury having a shot blocked, but they couldn’t find the net. Maidstone sealed the game with a third goal from substitute Shaq Coulthirst, set up by Sam Corne.
Saturday’s result leaves Chippenham in 14th place, 16 points adrift of the final play-off spot occupied by Maidstone, and just 13 points above the relegation zone with seven games remaining.
Our Opponents
Weymouth FC, known as “The Terras,” were founded in 1890 and have spentmost of their history in non-league football. The club’s biggest successcame in 2006 when they won the Conference South and earned promotion tothe Conference National. However, financial struggles led to relegation in 2009.
After years of rebuilding, Weymouth returned to the National League in2020 after winning the play-offs, but their stay was short-lived as they were relegated again in 2022. The team currently plays at the Bob Lucas Stadium, their home since 1987.
Weymouth have enjoyed notable wins recently, including a 2-1 victory against Boreham Wood at the Bob Lucas last weekend. Despite a rocky season, they have climbed from rock bottom to just outside the relegation zone. Warren Feeney’s side is edging dangerously close to a potential drop to the Southern Premier League next season unless results improve.
Enfield, sitting just outside the relegation zone in 20th place, have 41 points, while Weymouth currently have 28. The club is managed by former Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney. The 44-year-old, who played for Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town, and AFC Bournemouth, took charge of Weymouth on December 17, 2024, after a brief stint at NIFL Premiership side Glentoran. Feeney also managed Welling United in the 2022/23 season.
Head to Head
Both sides have met numerous times across various competitions, including the Vanarama National League South, the FA Cup/Trophy, and the Southern Premier League.
One of the most notable clashes was Chippenham’s 4-1 victory at the Bob Lucas Stadium during their 2016/17 Southern Premier League title-winning season, with Andy Sandell and David Pratt each scoring twice.
Another memorable encounter came in March 2023 at #TheTSStadium, where Chippenham secured a 3-2 victory thanks to goals from Joe Hanks, Caine Bradbury, and a 94th-minute penalty winner from Owen Windsor.
The most recent meeting between the two sides took place in August 2024 at the Bob Lucas Stadium. A superb long-range strike from Luke Spokes and a second-half goal from former #Bluebirds winger Will Dawes secured an away win for Chippenham.
Ones to Watch
Here are three key players for Weymouth who could cause problems for Chippenham this weekend: Jake McCarthy (Midfielder, 27) – Weymouth’s top scorer this season with7 goals in 24 games, playing 1,945 minutes of football. He joined from Poole Town.
Malachi Linton (Forward, 24) – Signed from Yeovil Town on a freetransfer, he has scored 6 goals in 28 games, playing 1,802 minutes.
Calvin Brooks (Defensive Midfielder, 30) – A former Salisbury, Yeovil Town, and Dorchester Town player, Brooks has had three stints with Weymouth. This season, he has scored 5 goals in 31 appearances, playing 2,565 minutes.
Other notable players include former Bournemouth, Swindon, and Yeovil right-back Brooklyn Genesini, as well as Brandon Goodship, Charlie Rowan, and Jordon Thompson.
Round-up
It promises to be another tough test for the #Bluebirds. However, with a week’s break from football, the squad will be eager to bounce back andpush for a solid mid-table finish as we enter the final month of theseason.
We look forward to welcoming our #BlueArmy supporters, as well as the players, fans, and officials of Weymouth.
As it’s Non-League Day 2025, we also invite all local football fans to join us for an exciting match during the international break.
Tickets are available to purchase on the gate on matchday as follows:
Adults: £16
Senior Citizens:* £12
Juniors (16-17): £6
Children (5-15): £4
*Students with a valid student card and serving Armed Forces personnel with ID qualify for senior pricing. Cash and card payments are accepted at the turnstiles.
Fans with a Premier League, EFL, or Bath Rugby season ticket can bring it along and gain admission for just £10 as part of our 2025 Non LeagueDay offer!
If you can’t make it to #TheTSStadium on Saturday, stayupdated via our X account with live match updates.
You can also catch all the action later with our match highlights on YouTube.
COME ON YOU BLUEBIRDS!!!
