Eliminator Match Preview: Buxton (h)
A huge clash is in store on Wednesday night at the Deva Stadium as we face Buxton in the Play-off Eliminator.
On Saturday, Calum McIntyre and his players concluded their 2024/25 National League North campaign with an accomplished 3-0 victory away to fellow play-off side King’s Lynn Town.
Academy prospects Alex Brown and Henry Briscoe made their debuts for the club and contributed to a clean sheet in Norfolk.
Key figures such as Connell Rawlinson and Jack Bainbridge also got some important minutes in the tank following a period out injured.
The three points on the road resulted in our final points tally standing at 87 – the most the club have accumulated in 12 years.
The winner of this match will travel to Kidderminster Harriers for the semi-final on Sunday.
THE OPPOSITION
Buxton sneaked into the last play-off spot on the final day courtesy of 2-0 win against a 10-man, and already relegated, Warrington Town outfit.
Former Chester player Kieran Burton broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Johnny Johnston confirmed the victory in the closing stages.
Curzon Ashton’s draw with Leamington meant the Bucks displaced their fellow contender by way of a superior goal difference.
After finishing 14th last term and 13 points adrift of the top seven, Buxton’s clever recruitment has seen them significantly improve, which has helped bridge the gap between them and top teams in the division.
THE GAFFER
In his first full season in charge, John McGrath has successfully guided the club to the play-offs. The Irishman had previously established himself as an astute tactician during an eight-year spell with Derbyshire neighbours Mickleover Sports.
Last season, McGrath led his former employers to third in the Southern Premier Division Central and only four points away from league winners Needham Market. However, the club were handed a 12-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player and ended up falling short in the play-offs.
As a player, McGrath made over 200 appearances for Burton Albion and eventually captained the Brewers. In 2008, he was named the club’s Player of the Year before being heavily involved in their inaugural promotion into the Football League the following season.
In February, the 45-year-old signed a new contract at the club, which extended his stay at the Silverlands Stadium to the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
ONE TO WATCH
Buxton skipper Kieran Burton has played an integral part in his team’s journey to the play-offs. The versatile defender displayed his potential down CH1 in the second half of last season and has flourished this campaign.
Burton was included in the most recent Vanarama National League Team of the Week for his significant contribution on Saturday. His opener against Warrington Town was his sixth goal of the season, while he also helped his side keep their third clean sheet in four games.
The Englishman’s consistent performances this season resulted in him being named the Supporters’ Player of the Year.
Despite only being 21-years-old, Burton has vast experience at this level. He has already represented the likes of Scarborough Athletic, Darlington Hartlepool and of course, Chester.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Chester FC | W25 D12 L9 | F73 A45 | Final Pos: 4th
Last Three
Southport (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Woods
Marine (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke, Iwan Murray
King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Kurt Willoughby, Jack Bainbridge and Dylan Mottley-Henry
Buxton FC | W24 D5 L17 | F76 A52 | Final Pos: 7th
Last Three
Chorley (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Kirby
Alfreton Town (A) | L 3-2 | Scorers: Luke Brennan & Cian Coleman
Warrington Town (H) | W 2-0 | Scores: Kieran Burton & Johnny Johnston
Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 7.45pm at The Deva Stadium on Wednesday evening. The postcode for the ground is CH1 4LT.
All tickets for this fixture have now SOLD OUT. There will be no pay at the gate options. Please do not travel to the stadium if you do not have a ticket.
UNDER THE CANOPY
Here’s what’s happening Under the Canopy…
Opening Times and Location: The Fan Canopy area is situated outside the ground by the North-East corner of the ground.
The canopy will be open from 5.45pm up until kick off at 7.45pm. The canopy will not reopen after the match for this fixture. Alcohol sales will end at 7.30pm.
Please note, the entry point will be stewarded and there is a capacity limit in place.
Food: We will be welcoming RGFC Under the Canopy for the first time on Wednesday night, who will be serving the following food from their two units…
Pizza: freshly prepared stone baked pizzas & garlic breads, with various toppings from Pepperoni to Spicy!
Grill House: All beef burgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers & tenders! Fries with chip shop curry or gravy & cheese.
Give RGFC a follow on Instagram @rgfc_events or Really Good Food Co on Facebook!
Additional Vendor: Keep It Sweet will also be on site on Wednesday! They will be setting up inside the canopy area serving their delicious sweet treats including…
- Jersey Gold Ice Cream with sherbet and a flake topped with sauce
- American Fanta & Sweets
- Fresh Hot Donuts Cooked to order
- Chocolate Bars
Drink: Spookton Brewery will be serving a range of beers Under the Canopy – make sure you grab yourself a pint!
Spookton started life as a result of an obsession for homebrewing modern craft beer. They launched in 2022 as a cuckoo brewery and then opened their own microbrewery and tap room in the centre of Chester last year.
For more information, visit www.spookton.co.uk. Please note, alcohol sales will commence at 5.45pm and then stop at 7.30pm.
Kiosk: The Kiosk in the East Stand will be integrated within the space and available for supporters to purchase their usual goods with GWG Catering, including teas and coffees, confectionary and hot food!
On the cart: On Monday, we will be selling retro CCFC merchandise from our cart, which has been kindly loaned to us by Urban Tricycles, for just £1!
For more information on the fantastic work Urban do, please visit www.urbantricycles.co.uk.
Live Music: It’s another debut Under the Canopy on Wednesday night!
16-year-old Harry Huxley, a singer-songwriter from Chester, will be performing outside the stadium.
Born and raised in Chester, Harry is now pursuing his passion for music, writing original songs and hoping to share them with a wider audience.
Come along to support local talent and follow @harryhuxmusic on Instagram to keep up with his journey.
The Cestrian: The Bar outside the ground will also be open prior to the match serving a vast range of alcohol for supporters to enjoy!
The GWG Street Food Van will be open prior to the game, serving Burgers, Salt and Pepper Fries and loaded fries.
Ginger Cat Coffee are also on hand outside the ground providing their usual excellent selection of hot drinks and iced coffees!
CAN’T MAKE IT? STAY UPDATED
Free commentary on Seals Live via our Match Centre: CLICK HERE
All Play-Off games are being streamed LIVE on DAZN: CLICK HERE
Match Updates on our Twitter/X page: CLICK HERE
HT/FT Updates on Facebook and Instagram: CLICK HERE
A full time match report on ChesterFC.com: CLICK HERE