The lowest ranked team left in the competition, Chatham Town host National League side Southend United in the FA Trophy hoping to progress to the Quarter Final. Read our match preview and score prediction below.
*Needham Market (H) 0-0 PENS
* Waltham Abbey (A) 0-2
* Wimborne (A) 0-1
* Plymouth Parkway (H) 3-0
* Carlisle (H) 1-0
Best Finish - Current Run
Chatham are currently undergoing their best FA Trophy run. While they beat four teams at their level or below prior to the last 32, they shocked Carlisle 1-0 infront of a packed Bauvill Stadium. The Chats are yet to concede on their run and this water tight defence will be crucial against a strong Southend.
Chatham continue to impress in the league, averaging just shy of two points per game and currently sitting third in the table. Their promotion credentials are well founded, though one area Kevin Hake will be keen to improve is their home form- somewhat unusually, Chatham have collected more points on the road than they have in front of their own supporters.
Defensively, they set the benchmark for the division. Chatham boast the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 22 goals, while still carrying a consistent attacking threat at the other end. They score at an average of more than two goals per game, making them one of the most balanced sides in the competition.
A key figure in that success is Sam Sene Richardson. The highly-rated 18-year-old recently signed a new contract after an outstanding breakout campaign that saw him win both Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season. He has already scored seven league goals this term and remains central to Chatham’s push at the top end of the table.
*Truro (H) 4-0
*Bath (A) 3-1
Best Finish - Fifth Round
Southend United are a club steeped in rich EFL history so don't have much history playing in the FA Trophy. However, Kevin Maher will be looking to add this trophy to the clubs trophy cabinet, as well as a promotion. They have swept aside all in their way so far and will be looking to do the same to Isthmian Premier Division side Chatham.
Southend find themselves well placed in the play-off race, sitting just one point outside the top seven with two games in hand on several of the sides above them. With 11 of their remaining fixtures to be played at Roots Hall, they should feel confident of not only breaking into the play-offs but cementing their place there.
Their strength lies at the back. Southend boast the second-best defensive record in the league, a solidity that often dictates the tempo of their matches and points towards a low-scoring contest. They are difficult to break down, particularly at home, and rarely allow games to become open or chaotic.
A key figure in their success is right-back Gus Scott-Morriss. An attacking threat from deep, he has contributed seven league goals and four assists this season, numbers that underline his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Chatham 1-2 Southend
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