Match Preview: Hereford (h)
The Blues return to action this Saturday for the visit of Hereford at the Deva Stadium, as Calum McIntyre’s side look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Curzon Ashton.
This fixture kicks off a busy November for the Seals, with eight games scheduled, including our FA Trophy clash against Gainsborough Trinity.
Our last meeting with the Bulls came in February, when an early Elliott Whitehouse finish was cancelled out by Andy Williams from the penalty spot at Edgar Street.
THE OPPOSITION
Hereford have made a strong start to their National League North campaign, as they find themselves sat in fifth after 14 games, on 24 points.
Defensive stability has been the key to the positive start, with just 12 goals conceded, a record that includes an impressive run of just four goals given away in their last seven league encounters.
Paul Caddis’ men consolidated their good start last Saturday courtesy of a dominant performance over Farsley Celtic, which concluded in a 3-0 success thanks to goals from Akheem Rose, Yusifu Ceesay and Andy Williams.
The Bulls ended last season level on points with Chester, but finished one place lower due to goal difference, after an inconsistent campaign.
THE GAFFER
As previously mentioned, former Birmingham City defender Paul Caddis is the man in the dugout at Edgar Street, following his appointment in May 2023.
The 36-year-old’s first adventure in management has been fairly successful to date, after an improvement from 16th to 11th in his first year in charge.
Caddis started his playing career at Scottish giants Celtic, for whom he made 22 first team appearances, before a move to English football in 2010.
A notable stint came at the aforementioned Birmingham City, where he made 160 appearances, which included 16 goals.
His most memorable contribution in a Birmingham shirt was scoring the goal that sealed the club’s Championship safety in May 2014, on a dramatic final day away at Bolton Wanderers.
Caddis also picked up one cap for his nation, when he came on as a late substitute in Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Czechia in 2016.
ONE TO WATCH
Akheem Rose has been a constant threat to National League North defences since his arrival from Ayr United in August.
The 25-year-old, who mainly plies his trade on the left-wing, has been directly involved in a third of the Bulls’ goals this season, with three to his name, as well as four assists.
Rose joined Grimsby Town in 2018 but failed to make a major impact at Blundell Park, scoring on three occasions in 43 appearances.
He moved to Dover Athletic and then Weymouth, before finding joy with the latter, which earned him a move to Ayr United, in the Scottish second tier.
A succesful loan stint with Hamilton Academical followed for the forward, before a move back to England with Hereford in the summer.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Chester FC | W5 D4 L4 | F14 A15 | Pos: 14th
Last three
Scunthorpe United (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A
Buxton (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: N/A
Curzon Ashton (A) | L 4-0 | Scorers: N/A
Hereford FC | W6 D6 L2 | F21 A12 | Pos: 5th
Last three
Curzon Ashton (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Tate Campbell, Matt Preston.
Warrington Town (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: N/A
Farsley Celtic (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Akheem Rose, Yusifu Ceesay, Andy Williams.
Match Preview by Tom Bird.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Saturday. 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.
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!
The Cestrian Bar will be open from midday on Saturday, until kick off and then post match, full stocked with a full selection of alcohol and soft drinks as well as showing all of the action.
Inside the ground, the Kiosks will be serving their wider variety of Cottoms pies during the new campaign, including Cottage Pies!
Matchday Programmes 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.
REMEMBRANCE FIXTURE
Saturday’s game against Hereford is our annual Remembrance Fixture at the Deva Stadium.
We ask supporters to aim to arrive inside the Stadium from 2.50pm to help us pay our respects and remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.
Joining us for our Remembrance Tribute will be members from the Armed Forces, including current and veterans, and we’re delighted to have them all with us on Saturday.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
BUCKET COLLECTION
During the 2024/25 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 Saturday we welcome KidsBank to the Deva. Please give generously if you can!
KidsBank was established with the mission to alleviate the impact of childhood poverty by providing practical help as quickly as possible.
Founded in Chester, KidsBank provides high quality new and pre-loved essential items, including children’s clothing, baby equipment, books and school uniform, to local families in need. Our team of dedicated volunteers ensure that items given are a gift from one family to another, safeguarding the dignity and hope of the families we support.
We support families with children aged between 0 to 12 years ensuring essential items are accessible to those who need them most.
For more information, visit kidsbankchester.com.
THE SEALS LOTTERY
Sign up to the Seals Lottery will be available outside the ground this weekend. For more information on this scheme, visit the SEALS LOTTERY PAGE.
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