Preview: Alfreton Town (H)

    Calum McIntyre’s men are back are the Deva Stadium tonight to host Derbyshire-based outfit Alfreton Town.

    Saturday’s action brought success for the Blues, as goals from Phil Croker and Fin Shrimpton secured all three points against Bedford Town.

    The reverse fixture went the way of Chester back in October, as a Tom Peers brace paired with a clean sheet earned a 2-0 win at the Impact Arena.

    The Opposition

    The Reds currently find themselves six points from safety in the Enterprise National League North, but with a number of games in hand over the teams directly above them.

    Following the postponement of Saturday’s clash with Buxton, Alfreton’s most recent contest was a successful trip to Norfolk at the end of January, as second half goals through Josh Ayres and Siya Ligendza secured a 2-0 victory.

    That clash was just the Reds’ third of 2026 and a first win after back-to-back defeats, firstly on the road at Darlington before a home loss to Bedford Town.

    The Gaffer

    Jake Buxton was appointed at the Impact Arena back in October, following the departure of long-term boss Billy Heath, who had been in charge for over seven years.

    Prior to his switch to Alfreton, the 40-year-old’s coaching experience consisted of a spell as player-manager of Burton Albion, as well as a stint in the coaching setup at Derby County, firstly as a Professional Development Coach and then as Head Coach of the Under-21 team.

    Buxton’s most notable spell as a player came with Derby, where he featured over 100 times between 2009-16.

    The former defender also turned out for Mansfield Town, Burton Albion, and Wigan Athletic during his playing career.

    One to Watch

    Exciting forward Siya Ligendza has been key for Alfreton in attacking areas so far this term.

    The 22-year-old has four goals to his name this campaign, two of which arrived in draws, against Bedford Town and Kidderminster Harriers, before his strike in the aforementioned success over King’s Lynn last month.

    Ligendza has featured in both the National League North and the National League South after a spell in Cardiff City’s youth setup, having featured for both AFC Fylde and Eastbourne Borough over recent seasons.

    League Form Guide

    Chester FC | W10 D10 L11 | F43 A49 | Pos: 12th

    Last three

    • Marine (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Woods
    • Radcliffe (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Murray
    • Bedford Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Croker, Shrimpton

    Alfreton Town | W6 D7 L13 | F23 A47 | Pos: 22nd

    Last three

    • Darlington (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Cummings
    • Bedford Town (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Wallace
    • King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Ayres, Ligendza
    MATCH DETAILS

    The match will kick-off at 19:45 at the Deva Stadium. The address for the ground is Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT.

    Tickets are on sale now via Fanbase – You can purchase yours via the link below.

    CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT!

    BUCKET COLLECTION

    Volunteers at the Deva Stadium on Tuesday night will be holding a bucket collection for Saltney Gymnastics Club!

    The club have been given an incredible opportunity to travel to Cesenatico in Italy to represent the community at an international gymnastics competition.

    SGC have nine partnerships hoping to take part, and they’re raising funds to go towards travel, accommodation, and competition costs. Every contribution, big or small, will help the gymnasts experience something truly unforgettable — a chance to grow, compete, and represent Saltney with pride.

    CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFO!

    GRILLS AND CHILLS

    The popular Grills and Chills van will be at the Deva to provide hot food for supporters!

    Tuesday’s menu will include:

     

    • Kansas Beef Bolognese with Texas Toast & Nachos – £7
    • Korean BBQ Chicken Burger and Skin-on Fries – £7
    • Cheesy Chips – £4
    • Cold Drinks – £2.50
    KEEP IT SWEET

    Keep it Sweet will be at the Deva to serve all your sweet needs before Tuesday’s game!

    Hot drinks will be available including coffee and hot chocolate with fresh cream & marshmallows!

    They will be serving their delicious sweet treats including…

    • Jersey Gold Ice Cream with sherbet and a flake topped with sauce
    • American Fanta & Sweets
    • Fresh Hot Donuts Cooked to order
    • Chocolate Bars
    THE BLUES BAR

    The Blues Bar will be open both pre and post-match to offer refreshments and for supporters to soak up the matchday atmosphere.

    Boltbar self-service machines will be available to use inside the bar, exclusively serving from the Hawkstone range!

    CAN’T MAKE IT? STAY UPDATED

    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