Preview: Leamington (H)

    The Seals are back in league action tomorrow for a clash with Leamington at the Deva Stadium.

    It’s the first of back-to-back home games in the space of four days for the Blues, as we also prepare for the visit of Hereford on Tuesday night.

    Our most recent league test ended level on the road at Southport, as goals from Offrande Zanzala and Connor Woods were cancelled out by Sonny Hilton and Adrien Thibaut.

    The Opposition

    Leamington have endured a tough start to 25/26 and currently sit 24th in the Enterprise National League North, three points below the dotted line.

    Three wins out of four during late August and early September have been followed up by a nine-match winless streak.

    Despite their league position, only three clubs boast a better defensive record than the Brakes after 16 games, with just 21 goals conceded, which is only bettered by South Shields, Radcliffe, and Macclesfield.

    The Warwickshire-based outfit did get back to winning ways last Saturday, courtesy of a home win in the Isuzu FA Trophy over Maidenhead United.

    The Gaffer

    Long-serving boss Paul Holleran celebrated his 16th year in charge of the club prior to last weekend’s success, having taken over in November 2009.

    Injuries forced the 55-year-old to make an early switch into coaching after stints as a player for Alvechurch and Solihull Borough.

    Before his move to Leamington in 2009, Holleran managed at Kings Norton Town, Solihull Borough and Rushall Olympic, as well as a stint in the coaching setup at Halesowen Town.

    One to Watch

    Exciting midfielder Ewan Williams has been directly involved in over a third of the Brakes’ goals so far this term.

    The 22-year-old made the switch to Leamington from Coleshill Town in 2023, and featured in all-but-one of Leamington’s games last term in a successful first season back in the sixth tier, following promotion through the Southern League Premier Division Central play-offs in 2024.

    Williams has already equalled last season’s goal tally this campaign, two of which were crucial in a 2-1 win over Radcliffe, with his other also being a match-winner in the Brakes’ victory over Southport.

    League Form Guide

    Chester FC | W4 D8 L4 | F22 A26 | Pos: 15th

    Last three

    • Marine (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: J. Jones
    • Buxton (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Bainbridge x2
    • Southport (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Zanzala, Woods

    Leamington | W3 D4 L9 | F11 A21 | Pos: 24th

    Last three

    • Oxford City (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Lynn
    • King’s Lynn Town (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None
    • Marine (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None
    MATCH DETAILS

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

    Tickets are on sale now via Fanbase – You can purchase yours via the link below.

    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:

    • Giant Yorkshire Pudding filled wrap, with Roast Chicken, Sage, Onion, Honey Glazed Carrots, Thyme, Garlic, Roast Potatoes, Gravy – £7
    • Giant Hot Dog, with Fried Onions, Ketchup, Mustard, and Chips – £7
    • Cheesy Chips – £4
    • Soft Drinks – £2.50
    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
    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