FA Cup 1st Round Predictions: Chelmsford fancy their chances

FA Cup 1st Round Predictions: Chelmsford fancy their chancesGainsborough v Slough

Slough Town have scored a remarkable 31 goals in their last nine in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division and forward Manny Williams is already on eight for the campaign. Gainsborough Trinity though, the club at which Neil Warnock first cut his managerial teeth in the 80s, are unbeaten in their last seven. The National League North outfit have benefited from the arrival of goalkeeper Henrich Ravas, who has impressed since joining on loan from Derby. They also boast EFL experience in utility Jordan Richards, who started a League Two match for Notts County as recently as Boxing Day last season. 2-1

Gateshead v Chelmsford

Gateshead have won just one of their last eight National League games and have not been helped by the exit of manager Neil Aspin to Port Vale. The one positive of October has been the performances of academy graduate Luke Hannant, an energetic midfielder, while forward Jordan Burrow grabbed a brace in the win at Leyton Orient. Opponents Chelmsford City are challenging to get in the same division as their hosts and though they lost 3-2 at Chippenham last time out, they had won the preceding three games. The Clarets appear to have an experienced squad for the level they play at: Elliott Omozusi has featured in the top flight for Fulham and is one of 15 players who have played in the EFL. 1-2

Gillingham v Leyton Orient

If these teams were meeting in early September, when Orient were joint-top and their hosts looked bankers for relegation, an away win would have looked plausible. However, Gillingham look tactically braver under Steve Lovell than they had been during Adrian Pennock’s ill-fated tenure and recorded a 3-1 win at Rotherham last week. The O’s decline was started by the Millers back in the 13/14 League One play-off final – this year, unfit owner Francesco Becchetti has gone but his exit has not halted the slump. Steve Davis has a young team lacking in organization: they have shipped 20 goals in their last 10 games. 3-1