The Blues travel to Kent this Tuesday to take on 3rd placed Chatham Town, whom they sit level on points with, although the Chats have a much better goal difference. It’s a must win game for both teams to give them breathing space ahead of the chasing pack.
The Blues
It was a gut wrenching defeat result last time out for Brentwood, who saw defeat away at Princes Park. It was a hard fought contest, and whilst the Blues fought to get back into the game, they were defeated in the final minutes.
Sam Okoye opened the scoring in the first minute, and Olly Box doubled the lead for the hosts within thirty minutes of play. Kymani Thomas got one back before half time, and the Blues top scorer, Danny Ogunleye equalised in the 73rd minute after Sam Odaudu was sent off.
Eddie Dsane netted the winner in the 89th minute to break Brentwood hearts late on, with all three points going to the hosts.
Whilst the result may not have been the one Keith Rowland’s side were looking for, it was a great performance, and one the Blues can be encouraged by. If the Blues can keep the same attacking quality, they will give a big challenge to the Chatham backline.
The Chats
Chatham Town have had a fantastic season, sitting on 49 points, 3rd place, with two games in hand over Aveley in 2nd. They reached the playoff final two seasons ago, so will be hoping to go one better this campaign.
Their last league match was a 1-0 late loss to Billericay. There were a few late penalties, but Chatham who gained the first and last penalties missed both, Billericay scoring their one, through Alfie Cerulli, and it was the only goal of the match.
The Chats also hosted Southend United last weekend in the FA Trophy, holding them at 0-0 for the majority of the game, only conceding in the 68th minute to a Gus Scott-Morriss penalty, having missed one earlier in the match themselves.
One to watch is new signing Nile Ranger who will look to make his debut against the Blues in this match. The 34 year old has 26 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United, and scored 10 goals for Southend between 2016-2018 when they were in League One.
Final Word
This should be a great clash right at the top of the table, with everything on the line for both teams. Keith Rowland’s side will look to use their attacking quality that was on display against Dartford, and leapfrog the Chats in the table.
Words by Matthew Trevelyan
