Preview: Clitheroe (H)

    The Blues are back at the Deva tomorrow for an Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Clitheroe!

    It will be our first home contest in the FA Trophy since 2022, when a late Kurt Willoughby double secured progression against Lancaster City.

    Saturday’s game marks the start of a run of three successive home fixtures for the Seals, as Leamington and Hereford also travel to CH1 before the end of November.

    The Opposition

    Our opponents are currently in their 22nd-consecutive season in the eighth tier, following promotion from the NWCFL in the 2003/04 campaign.

    The Blues have started this campaign in mixed form and sit 13th in the NPL Division One West, with a record of 23 points from 16 outings.

    The club travel to the Deva off the back of two wins on the bounce, firstly on the road at Wythenshawe Town, before a home success against Congleton Town.

    The Gaffer

    Ex-Chester man Sean McConville has been the boss at Clitheroe since December 2024, when he was promoted from the role of Assistant Manager after Jimmy Bell’s departure.

    The 36-year-old started and ended his professional playing career with Accrington Stanley, registering a club-record figure of 445 appearances over two spells at the club, firstly between 2009-11, and latterly from 2015-24.

    Elsewhere, McConville featured for Stockport County, Rochdale, Barrow, Stalybridge Celtic, and Chester.

    During a stint between 2014-15, the midfielder made 44 appearances for the Seals, scoring on nine occasions.

    One to Watch

    Zac Hadi has made a big impact at the Loom Loft Stadium since his arrival on loan from Bradford City in early November.

    The 19-year-old shot-stopper is yet to concede a goal since joining the club, with his two appearances to date coming in the back-to-back 2-0 wins over Wythenshawe Town and Congleton Town.

    Hadi got his first experience of senior football last season during a loan spell in the NPL Division One East at Liversedge.

    MATCH DETAILS

    The FA Trophy clash will kick-off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium. The address for the ground is Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT.

    TICKET PRICES
    • Adults – £12
    • Concessions – £10
    • 18-21s – £5
    • 12-17s – £3
    • Under 12s – £1

    CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT!

    WHAT’S ON…
    GRILLS AND CHILLS

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

    The menu on Saturday afternoon will include:

    • Katsu chicken burger, served with an Asian Slaw and skin-on fries – £7
    • Beef keema loaded fries – £4
    • Skin-on fries, served with southern-fried gravy – £4
    • Cold drinks – £2.50

    Seals Shed

    We will be providing supporters with the Hawkstone range 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

    We hope to see you there, UTS!