CHELMSFORD City return to league action on Saturday after being dumped out of the FA Trophy on Saturday in a seven-goal thriller.

The Clarets went down 4-3 to Bishop’s Stortford in the Trophy and will be looking to bounce back when they host Hemel Hempstead in the Conference South (3pm ko).

The match is the club’s annual Pay What You Want Day when fans decide what amount they will pay to watch the match.

Mark Holmes’ team found themselves 2-0 down at half-time against Stortford after Ryan Auger’s goal from close range and an unfortunate own goal for City’s Christian Smith gave the hosts the perfect start.

Sheldon Sellears sent a curling shot in to make it 3-0 before Stortford added a fourth through Auger.

Chelmsford launched a late recovery with Michael Cheek and Jason Williams reducing the arrears before Yado Mambo added a third.

But the Clarets were unable to find an equaliser against their Conference South rivals.

  • Striker Evans Kouassi and defender James Love left Chelmsford City this week.
  • ITCCity’s league match at home to Eastbourne has been brought forward from Monday, January 12, to Saturday, December 13, due to both sides being out of the FA Trophy.