Chelmsford City face five tough games within the next fortnight that could decide the fate of their promotion prospects and they start tomorrow with a match at Tonbridge Angels with only 14 recognised first team players available.

Along with Grant Strong (injured knee), defender John Girling is the latest injury casualty with a torn muscle that will keep him out so manager Gary Bellamy is down to the bare bones.

Mr Bellamy said: "We are on a a run at the moment and the lads are confident and they will rise to the challenge," he said. "The Witney game was excellent, despite picking up only a point and we beat Brackley so comfortably that it was really embarrassing.

"We are third and that means the leading two will now be looking over their shoulders at us so that puts extra pressure on them which is good," Bellamy added.

"Although John Girling will miss tomorrow's match, James Saddington and Daniel Reeve have done well in the heart of the defence so we have no problem and the team is buzzing at the moment.

"We have a series of tough games ahead but the players know what they have to do and that is to keep on playing our own way and picking up the points." he said.

There is good news on the injury to defender Kevin Dobinson, who will have a short run out on Tuesday at Great Wakering Rovers in City's Eastern Floodlight Competition match.

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