Last season's games between the clubs ended in a narrow win for The Blues at the EMR Stadium, courtesy of Matas Skarna, followed by a draw at Maldon, where Kien Connolly's early strike for The Jammers was cancelled out by Shane Temple in the second half.

The second game was played in February, in the early weeks of Maldon's new ownership. We could see the start of their new journey and the changes have continued at great pace with players placed on contracts, an academy established, a womens team relaunched and of course, some eye-catching new signings.

Off the field things are moving forward quickly, with great efforts made to engage with the wider Maldon community (attendances have doubled this season) and further ground improvements. In April they shared exciting plans to build a sports facility and stand adjacent to the changing rooms, for use by the community.

The Jammers manager is Kevin Horlock who was appointed in February. Kevin had a successful playing career with Swindon Town, Manchester City, West Ham and Ipswich Town. He also earned 32 caps for Northern Ireland. As a manager, he was in charge of Maldon and Tiptree between 2016-18 and then for 5 very successful years, at Needham Market.

Kevin's assistants are Pip Boyland and Liam Bailey. Pip played for Leiston, Sudbury and Needham Market amongst others. He was manager at Brantham and assistant at Brightlingsea Regent. Liam has managed The Jammers before and is also the Director of their Academy.

With the budget available it was always going to be interesting to see what changes were made to an already talented first team squad. They retained captain Jack Cawley, Amine Sassi, brother Kamel Sassi, Louis Arrowsmith, Matthew Yates, Dylan Williams, Zak Littlejohn, Anthony Wordsworth, goalkeeper Elliot Justham and former Blues, Gary Hooper and Chris Millar. Sadly Hoops picked up a long term injury in their opening league game which has kept him out of action.

New recruits included Tom Eastman who signed from Dagenham and Redbridge, Ollie Fraser and Tevan Allen who moved from Needham Market, Cameron James and Louis Dunne transferred across from Chelmsford City, Terril Egbri and Tommy Dixon-Hodge re-signed from Harlow and Royston Town respectively. Freddie Sears joined from Chatham Town and Anisius Lewis from Concord Rangers, where his impressive progress was delayed by a season ending injury.

Since the start of the season, they have added Courtney Senior from Chorley and Macauley Bonne, the Zimbabawe International, who has made over 250 EFL appearances and who played last season for Southend United. Mo Amir has joined from Tilbury and Luca Savill has been promoted from The Jammers Academy.

The expectation this season is promotion and nothing less. That of course brings great pressure both from within and also from opponents treating every game against them as their cup final. However, so far so good, they are in 2nd place with 44 points from 18 games, one point behind Felixstowe and Walton, with two games in hand.

In the league they have played 9 at home, winning 8 and drawing once, scoring 27 goals and conceding just 4. Only Wroxham left the Drewitt-Barlow with anything for their efforts, a 0-0 draw, the only time The Jammers have failed to score at home in the league this season. This contrasts with Grays away form of 2 wins in 10 with 9 goals scored and 15 against.

The Jammers recent form is P6 W4 D1 L1. The Blues form over the same period is W2 D0 L4. Our league form this season against the current top 10 placed teams is P10 W1 D4 L5.

The Jammers enjoyed a superb run in the F.A.Cup. Starting in the Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round, they defeated Buckhurst Hill, Hadley, Canvey Island, Stanway Rovers, Waltham Abbey and Flackwell Heath to reach the 1st Round Proper. They found their way to Port Vale and in front of a crowd of over 4,500 took the lead through Anisius Lewis before The Valiants turned up the heat and prevailed 5-1.

In the other Cup competitions, they suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to AFC Dunstable in the First Qualifying Round of the F.A.Trophy. They did not enter the League Cup, but in the Essex Senior Cup, they beat Walthamstow, before an excellent 3-0 win away at Brentwood Town. On Monday they met Aveley at Parkside in the Quarter Final but lost a close game 2-0.

Their leading scorers this season are Freddie Sears with 17 (13 league goals), Anisius Lewis 10 (9 league), Tevan Allen 7 (5) and Cameron James 5 (4).

Our Head to Head record with Maldon and Tiptree is P23 W8 D5 L10. In terms of just league games the record is P20 W7 D5 L8. We also played both of their predecessor clubs. A sole game against Tiptree United saw a win for The Blues and in 4 matches against Maldon Town we won 3 and lost 1.

Last Saturday, we were treated to two completely different halves of football against Downham Town. In the first half, The Blues were in total control, showing that passing football can be played on a difficult pitch. Such was the dominance that 1-0 was scant reward for our best 45 in a long time.

After the interval. Downham went up 2 gears and Blues lost energy. You could be forgiven for thinking the sides had changed shirts at Half Time. Downham equalised from a freekick where the wall was not set up properly. Grays then regained and then lost the lead twice more before the outstanding Alex Moss scored the late winner.

The character and teamwork shown to keep going, relentlessly, against a determined opponent, should hold us in good stead going forwards.

Last Saturday The Jammers travelled to Bowers and Pitsea and came away with a 2-1 victory, both goals being scored by Anisius Lewis, the winner in injury time.

So it's time for one of the most anticipated games of the season against the title favourites. The Jammers will be a tough nut to crack and will be determined to preserve their position at the top of the league, but anything can happen in a game of football. It should be a cracking match in front of a big crowd and you wouldn't want to miss it.

Getting There

We have faced Maldon and Tiptree on numerous occasions over recent seasons so most of you will know your way. The Drewitt-Barlow Stadium is located on Park Drive with the postcode CM9 5JQ.

There is currently limited parking at the ground (I understand there are plans to extend the car park), but it gets very busy, so the advice is to get there as early as possible. In past seasons, parking has been allowed in the adjacent car park for the Madison Heights bowling alley, but I'm not 100% sure if that is still the case. If in any doubt ask the club's car parking marshalls to confirm.

If you need to park on street, you know the drill; please do so safely and with consideration for residents and others users.

More than ever we need our supporters to travel in numbers and get fully behind the boys.

Away The Ath!!