Match Preview: Southport (h)

    We welcome Southport to the Deva Stadium tomorrow for our first match of 2025.

    It was Boxing Day delight for the Seals as they prevailed over Marine in a 3-2 victory at Rossett Park.

    Dylan Mottley-Henry recorded his first goal for the club with a towering header, while Iwan Murray and Harrison Burke also got themselves on the scoresheet.

    Calum McIntyre’s players return to CH1 with the knowledge that another victory could see them enter the playoff places.

    THE OPPOSITION

    Southport also won on the 26th December, as they comfortably beat Warrington Town 2-0 in Merseyside.

    That triumph ended a seven match winless run in the league, a spell that went back to the end of October.

    During that period, Jim Bentley’s outfit picked up three draws and four defeats. Those results included losing to each of the top three away from home – Kidderminster Harriers, Curzon Ashton and King’s Lynn Town.

    However, the Sandgrounders did overcome Peterborough Sports in the FA Trophy, which booked them a tantalising trip to Southend United next Saturday.

    THE GAFFER

    Jim Bentley has been at the helm at Southport since the summer of 2023.

    In his playing days, Bentley was a central defender that made almost 300 appearances for Morecambe.

    After retiring with the Shrimps in 2011, the now 48-year-old spent a further eight years in the dugout. During his tenure, he became the longest-serving manager in the top four tiers of English football.

    The Englishman has since managed Rochdale and AFC Fylde before taking up the post at Southport.

    Bentley has provided the Sandgrounders with some stability after they were flirting with relegation from the National League North.

    ONE TO WATCH

    Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick continues to be a nuisance for opposition defenders at the ripe age of 33.

    The versatile winger has netted on eight occasions this league campaign, making him Southport’s top scorer.

    Lloyd-McGoldrick returned to his boyhood club at the start of the calendar year, after stints which Rochdale, Gillingham and Tranmere Rovers.

    Keenan Quansah, brother of Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, is also a notable figure in the Southport squad.

    The imposing full-back has represented the club since 2022.

    LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

    Chester FC | W10 D6 L6 | F29 A24 | Pos: 11th

    Last Three

    Brackley Town (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton

    King’s Lynn Town (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton

    Marine (A) | W 3-2 | Scorers: Dylan Mottley-Henry, Iwan Murray & Harrison Burke

    Southport FC | W8 D6 L9 | F27 A33 | Pos: 14th

    Last Three

    Needham Market (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A

    Kidderminster Harriers (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: N/A

    Warrington Town (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick & Sonny Hilton

    Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

    MATCH DETAILS

    Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Wednesday 1st January. 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!

    The Cestrian Bar will be open from midday until kick off and then post match, fully stocked with a wide selection of alcohol and soft drinks.

    Inside the ground, the Kiosks will be serving their wider variety of Cottoms pies during the 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.

    NLTV

    Our first game of 2025 is being shown live on NLTV, now on DAZN!

    The game is available to watch on the NLTV DAZN platform: CLICK HERE

    Click here for more information if you already held a subscription with National League TV.

    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