Match Preview: Buxton (h)
The Blues return to action at the Deva on Tuesday when we host Buxton, following Saturday’s stalemate with Scunthorpe United.
The clash with the Iron was watched on by 3,277 down CH1, our biggest home attendance so far this campaign.
Our most recent meeting with the Bucks saw a 4-1 Seals success, courtesy of goals from Declan Weeks, Harrison Burke, Adam Thomas and Tom Peers.
The Opposition
It has been a challenging start to the season for the Bucks, who currently sit 19th in the National League North, just two points above the relegation zone.
John McGrath’s side are yet to draw a game in the league, but are on a run of seven defeats in their last eight games, after they began the campaign with three wins on the bounce.
The most recent loss came at the hands of King’s Lynn Town, as goals from Ross Crane and Josh Hmami earned all three points for the Linnets.
Former Blues loanee Kieran Burton has started in all-but-one of of Buxton’s league fixtures this term, following a summer move from Hartlepool United.
The Bucks’ ground, the Silverlands, is the highest football stadium in England, at 310 metres above sea level.
The Gaffer
John McGrath is the man in the dugout for our midweek opponents, following his appointment in May.
It hasn’t started in ideal fashion for the 44-year-old, who previously spent eight years in the hot seat at Mickleover FC, which culminated in a 5th placed finish in the Southern Premier Division Central, last season.
The Irishman started his playing career with Aston Villa in 2001, but made just two appearances before going out on loan to Dagenham and Redbridge.
The midfielder also featured for Doncaster Rovers, Tamworth and Burton Albion.
McGrath helped the Brewers to the Conference title in 2008/09, before they established themselves as an EFL outfit.
One to Watch
Josh Popoola joined the Bucks in the summer from Tonbridge Angels and has immediately established himself as a core player within McGrath’s side.
The right-back is currently top of the scoring charts at the Silverlands, after goals against Farsley Celtic, Darlington and Southport.
Popoola has also picked up two assists this season, highlighting his attacking importance.
The 20-year-old spent seven years in the Watford academy but has featured for a plethora of clubs in recent years, including Stockport County, Spennymoor Town, Chorley and Warrington Town.
League form guide
Chester FC | W5 D4 L2 | F14 A10 | Pos: 7th
Last three
Rushall Olympic (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Nathan Cameron (OG), Charlie Caton.
Farsley Celtic (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None
Scunthorpe United (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None
Buxton FC | W4 D0 L7 | F12 A14 | POS: 19th
Last three
Curzon Ashton (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None
Hereford (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Connor Kirby
King’s Lynn Town (A) | Scorers: None
Match Preview by Tom Bird.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 7.45pm at The Deva Stadium on Tuesday. The postcode for the ground is CH1 4LT.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
For information on Admission Prices, Entry into the Stadium, Payment Methods, Allocated Seating and much more – visit chesterfc.com/matchdayinformation.
Tickets: Available online – CLICK HERE! Contactless card payments are available at the turnstile, with cash payments available at the Ticket Office.
BUCKET COLLECTION
During the 24/25 season, we will be welcoming a variety of local charities to the Deva to make collections around the ground prior to kick off and showcase the amazing work they do.
This Tuesday evening we welcome Maggie’s to CH1. Please give generously if you can!
We’re here for anyone with cancer and their family and friends, whatever kind of cancer, and whatever stage they’re at. All our support is free, and no appointment or referral is needed.
There’s also no time limit on our support, we’re here for as long as we’re needed. We are a space for being together or for a moment alone, for getting going again or for meeting people who just get it. For more information, visit: https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-wirral/.
FOOD AND DRINK
The GWG Street Food Van will be open prior to the game, serving Burgers, Salt and Pepper Fries and of course – our Footy Scran favourite – loaded fries!
Ginger Cat Coffee are also on hand outside the ground providing their usual excellent selection of hot drinks and iced coffees!
Inside the ground, the Kiosks will be serving their wider variety of Cottoms pies during the campaign, including Cottage Pies!
THE CESTRIAN
The Cestrian Bar will be open from 5pm until kick off and then post match, fully stocked with a wide selection of alcohol and soft drinks as well as showing all of the action.
MATCH PROGRAMME
The Cestrian Programme will be available to purchase from the Club Shop and our volunteer sellers around the ground, costing £3. If you are unable to get a programme on the day, they are available to buy online – CLICK HERE.
MATCHDAY COVERAGE
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