Match Preview: Scunthorpe United (h)
The Seals host Scunthorpe United this weekend, in what could prove to be a decisive encounter in the race for promotion.
Victory at the Deva Stadium will see the Blues go level on points with the league leaders, and it would be the perfect response after our FA Cup exit against Scarborough Athletic.
Calum McIntyre will have Nathan Woodthorpe and Connell Rawlinson back at his disposal after the pair served their respective suspensions last weekend.
A bumper crowd is expected down CH1 and Saturday’s entertainment promises to be a tantalising encounter.
THE OPPOSITION
Scunthorpe United have occupied top spot for the entirety of the 2024/25 National League North campaign.
However, after winning six of their first seven league outings, whilst only conceding one goal during that period, they haven’t tasted victory in their last three league games.
This decline in form has given the opportunity to the teams around them to close the gap and now only four points separate them from seventh placed King’s Lynn Town.
It will be a particularly stern test for our offensive players, as the Iron boast the best defensive record in the division with only five goals conceded in ten matches.
THE GAFFER
Andy Butler was appointed as first team manager at Glanford Park this summer following the dismissal of Jimmy Dean and his staff.
It was a fairytale role for the 40-year-old as he graduated through Scunthorpe’s academy and made his senior debut for the club in the third division back in 2003.
The former defender made over a century of appearances for Walsall, Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe, and his 174 matches for the latter was spread over three separate stints.
As part of his third period at the club, the Englishman worked as a Youth Development Phase Coach before progressing into a more involved role in the first team.
Butler developed his coaching skills through an unconventional route as he commenced his managerial career at Doncaster Rovers Belles, a club that currently compete in the fourth tier of women’s football in England.
His phenomenal start to life in the dugout this term earned him the National League North Manager of the Month Award for August.
ONE TO WATCH
The Iron have accrued six clean sheets out of ten league matches and defender Brad Nicholson has been an integral part of that solidity.
The 26-year-old joined Scunthorpe on a free transfer from Boston United in the summer following the latter’s promotion into the National League.
Nicholson made 42 appearances for the Pilgrims last campaign, but opted to drop back down into the sixth tier to seek successive ascensions.
The centre-half, who is equally adept at left-back, has settled in quickly in North Lincolnshire and has become a mainstay in Andy Butler’s side.
He began his career at the oldest football club in the world, Sheffield FC, before having spells with Chesterfield and Guiseley.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Chester FC | W5 D3 L2 | F14 A10 GD: +4 | Pos: 4th
Last Three
South Shields (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Tom Peers
Rushall Olympic (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton & Nathan Cameron (O.G)
Farsley Celtic (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A
Scunthorpe United | W6 D3 L1 | F16 A5 GD: +11 | Pos: 1st
Last Three
Warrington Town (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Evan Gumbs (O.G)
Scarborough Athletic (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: N/A
Oxford City (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Callum Roberts x2
Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Saturday. The postcode for the ground is CH1 4LT.
RETRO DAY
It’s our annual Retro Day at the Deva Stadium this weekend! On the day of the game, we are encouraging supporters of both Chester FC and Scunthorpe United to wear their retro shirts to the game this weekend.
LIVE MUSIC
To mark the Retro Day occasion, we welcome DJ Jono Robertson to the game, playing 80’s and 90’s classics outside The Cestrian Bar from 1pm up until kick off.
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.
We start this Saturday, welcoming The Joshua Tree to CH1. Please give generously if you can!
The Joshua Tree provides tailored support programmes to enhance the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all immediate and extended family members affected by childhood cancers.
We work with the whole family—patients, parents, siblings, and grandparents—acknowledging that each family’s cancer journey is unique. Our services include counselling, play therapy, home support, educational engagement, complementary therapies, and family fun events.
By improving individual quality of life, we help families better navigate the challenges and trauma of childhood cancers. For more information, visit: thejoshuatree.org.uk.
TICKETS
Tickets are available online via our Fanbase app for the big match: CLICK HERE!
Please check our turnstile entry points before Saturday’s match to ensure you enter via the correct turnstile on the day.
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 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.
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