CHELMSFORD CITY boss Rod Stringer says the experience of Saturday’s trip to Tranmere Rovers in the FA Trophy has left him hungry for more games against ex-Football League opposition.
The National League South Clarets almost produced a shock on the Wirral, Robbie Willmott putting them in front before Rovers replied in the second half.
It means Stringer’s men will welcome Tranmere, currently fourth in the National League, to Essex on Wednesday night in their replay with the winner welcoming Barrow in the quarter-finals.
The Clarets took a sizeable following support with them to Prenton Park and Stringer says the whole day left him, and the club, wanting to experience similar on a regular basis.
Chelmsford are currently fifth in the National League South as they chase promotion to Non-League‘s top flight.
Boss Stringer told the club’s website: “Absolutely, we said on Saturday that this is where we want to be, week in, week out. We’ve had a taster and now we want to be involved in this kind of matches all the time.
“We’ll approach the game pretty much the same as we did on Saturday, to be honest. It’ll be another difficult shift for the boys because we know that Tranmere wants to do well in this competition.
“It’s also a home draw awaiting the winners. I’m sure they will relish that so we’ll be asking the boys to go again and give us everything they’ve got. Hopefully, that will be enough to get us a positive result.”
The boss has called on Clarets fans to make the most of their home advantage on Wednesday as they look to advance in Non-League’s premier cup competition.
“We really need the supporters and local football followers to turn out and give us their support,” he added. “Hopefully, the people of Chelmsford will pack the place out and taste and vocal.
“I’m hoping that we can take advantage of being the home side. They won’t have played at too many places like the Melbourne Stadium. I know that Tranmere will have played a league fixture at Gateshead, but some clubs find places with a running track an issue. It will be a totally different set of surroundings for them.”
