Chester vs Ebbsfleet: The Preview
Life after Jon McCarthy begins today as the Blues look to end their home hoodoo – as newly promoted Ebbsfleet come to the Swansway.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Manager Jon McCarthy had seen his contract terminated following Tuesday’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at Solihull Moors.
Tom Shaw – assisted by Dave Felgate and Calum McIntyre – take charge today as the Blues look for their first win at home since December 2016.
Ebbsfleet are in the midst of a fantastic 32-league game unbeaten run. The streak began following their last defeat on Boxing Day last year – and saw them win promotion to the National League with a 2-1 play off final win against Chelmsford after finishing 2nd in the regular season.
However, they have drawn seven of their first eight games this season. A win for the Blues would see them finish the day level on points with their opponents.
The last time the two sides met was January 2012 in the FA Trophy. Ebbsfleet were competing at this level back then, whilst Neil Young’s Chester were in the Evo-Stik Premier. Matty McNeil and Jamie Rainford were on the scoresheet down south but unfortunately the Blues bowed out with a 3-2 defeat.
Here’s some Chester vs Ebbsfleet stats ahead of today’s game – courtesy of our Club Historian, Chas Sumner:
The Fleet have never played the reformed Blues in the city but the two sides met in an FA Trophy match in Kent in January 2012 when Ebbsfleet won 3-2
Ebbsfleet are unbeaten in the city after four previous visits, three in the league and one in the FA Cup
Chester City’s final game was against Ebbsfleet when the visitors won 2-1. Jack Rea had the distinction of scoring Chester’s last ever goal
In January 2004 Daryl Clare scored twice for Chester in a 2-2 draw.
Ryan Sugden was the goalscorer when the two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw in October 2002
Ebbsfleet United are the 100th different team that the Blues have faced in the league since reforming.
Match Details
Kick off at the Swansway Chester Stadium is 3pm. The game is pay at the gate. Prices can be found here. Don’t forget to pick up a commemorative copy of ‘The Cestrian’ programme as we celebrate 25 years at the Deva Stadium! The cost is just £2.50.
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