Preview: Bedford Town (H)

    The Blues are back at the Deva on Saturday for the visit of Bedford Town in the Enterprise National League North!

    Tom Peers’ brace in midweek earned all three points on the road at the Impact Arena over Alfreton Town.

    Iwan Murray crafted the first goal on Tuesday night during his 150th appearance for Chester FC as he was taken down inside the 18-yard-box to force a penalty.

    Peers converted from 12-yards and then smashed into an empty home goal in the second-half to seal success.

    The Opposition

    A title-winning campaign in the SL Premier Division Central last term earned Bedford Town a return to sixth-tier football for the first time since 2007.

    A tough start beckoned for the Eagles as they sat on just six points from their opening nine games, but the club have picked up seven points from their last three outings to move up to 19th.

    Their recent unbeaten streak is built on solidity in defence, with zero goals conceded over their last three, a run that included wins over Worksop Town and Oxford City, as well as a goalless draw away at Radcliffe.

    The Gaffer

    Lee Bircham has had a very positive impact at The New Eyrie since his appointment in May 2023.

    His move to the Eagles has coincided with back-to back promotions, firstly from the SL Division One Central in the 2023/24 campaign, before their SL Premier Division Central success last term.

    The 49-year-old’s switch to Bedford came after a successful reign at Leighton Town, as he guided the club to the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title in 2022/23.

    His other former clubs in management include Hemel Hempstead Town and Berkhamsted FC.

    One To Watch

    New signing Tyrone Marsh has immediately introduced himself to the Bedford faithful this campaign and currently sits top of the NLN scoring charts.

    The experienced forward became the first player to reach double digits in terms of goals in the division this season when he netted a crucial winner over Oxford City in midweek.

    Marsh was also the first player to score against South Shields during 25/26, and he’s bagged braces against Alfreton and AFC Telford United.

    After the opening 12 outings, the 31-year-old has netted 10 of the Eagles’ total of 15 goals.

    League Form Guide

    Chester FC | W3 D6 L3 | F16 A20 | Pos: 14th

    Last three

    • Merthyr Town (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Zanzala, Handley OG
    • Kidderminster Harriers (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
    • Alfreton Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Peers x2.

    Bedford Town | W3 D4 L5 | F15 A18 | Pos: 19th

    Last three

    • Worksop Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Marsh, Gyamfi
    • Radcliffe (A) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None
    • Oxford City (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Marsh
    MATCH DETAILS

    Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium. The address for the ground is Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT.

    TICKET DETAILS

    Tickets are available for the game via fanbase. Click below to secure your spot!

    CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE!

    UNDER THE CANOPY…
    MBNA DAY

    Saturday’s game against Bedford Town also celebrates our long-standing partnership with MBNA – who have now been our Principal Sponsor for a fantastic 15 years!

    To mark the occasion, we look forward to welcoming hundreds of MBNA colleagues, family and friends into the Precision Facades Hipkiss South Stand for the game.

    We will also have MBNA representatives upstairs in the Legends Lounge as our Match Sponsors – as well as 12 mascots representing the credit card provider.

    For more information on our Principal Sponsors, please visit www.mbna.co.uk.

    LIVE MUSIC

    DJ Adam Gowen will be Under the Canopy on Saturday, playing music and building the atmosphere both before and after the match!

    FOOD AND DRINK
    KEEP IT SWEET

    Keep it Sweet will be at the Deva to serve all your sweet needs before Saturday’s game!

    Hot drinks will be available including coffee and hot chocolate with fresh cream & marshmallows!

    They will be 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
    GRILLS AND CHILLS

    The popular Grills and Chills van will be under the canopy to provide hot food for supporters!

    The menu on Saturday afternoon will include:

    • Loaded hot dogs & Skin-on fries – £7
    • Buttermilk chicken fillet burger & Skin-on fries – £7
    • Chips, cheese and gravy – £4
    • Cold drinks – £2.50

    Seals Shed

    We will be providing supporters with the Hawkstone range from the Seals Shed!

    We are pleased to announce that pumps have now been installed and draught pints will be available from the Seals Shed.

    The offering on Saturday will include:

    • Premium Lager
    • Session Lager
    • Pilsner
    • IPA
    • Cider
    THE BLUES BAR

    The Blues Bar will be open both pre and post-match to offer refreshments and for supporters to soak up the matchday atmosphere.

    The app2tap machines will be just outside the bar to give supporters the ability to purchase and pour their own pints – This will be available on two Madri pumps and two Guinness pumps.

    CAN’T MAKE IT? STAY UPDATED

    Free commentary on Seals Live via our Match Centre: 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