Your correspondent is getting tired of the phrase “weather permitting”, but hopefully this time things are looking a little more promising for tomorrow evening’s planned league fixture away at Essex rivals, Waltham Abbey.

Waltham Abbey are back plying their trade in the Isthmian League this season after time away in the Southern League. They spent 2023-24 in the South Central division (on a par with Isthmian 1North) and had an excellent season, finishing fourth and qualifying for the promotion play-offs. The semi-final against AFC Dunstable was won 8-7 in a breath-taking penalty shoot-out following a 3-3 draw after extra time. Sadly though it was not to be in the final, with a 2-1 defeat to Bedford Town.

This season they have picked up where they left off, challenging for a play-off place. They currently sit in fifth place, with thirteen wins from their twenty four games so far. They have accumulated twelve more points than Grays but have played three games more. Waltham Abbey have not been as inconvenienced as Blues by the weather, but have not played since 4th January when they came away from Concord Rangers with a 3-2 victory. Top scorer this season is Prince Domafriyie

Over the years, our two sides have played a mixture of league and cup encounters with Blues currently leading 10 victories to 5. But the most memorable game was the last in season 2012-13 (and what turned out to be our final fixture at Rush Green) when having just set an all-time league record of consecutive wins and securing the divisional title, Waltham Abbey spoiled the party with an excellent 5-3 victory.

We have also already met this season, on Bonfire Night, when Waltham Abbey ran out deserved winners 3-1, in the Essex Senior Cup.

Blues will be looking for better this time round, in what promises to be a challenging encounter.

There is currently no news regarding a pitch inspection, but do look out on the usual social channels for any announcement about the game.

Kick off is scheduled for 7.45pm on Tuesday evening at Capershotts, Sewardstone Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 1NX.

Come on you Blues !