Preview: Brackley Town (h)
The Seals return to the Deva Stadium this Saturday for the first competitive action down CH1 in 118 days as we prepare for the visit of Brackley Town.
The Saints were handed an opening day defeat by Scunthorpe United, who ran out 3-0 winners at St. James’ Park, courtesy of two goals from Alfie Beestin and one from Michael Clunan.
Calum McIntyre’s men will be looking to bounce back from our opening day disappointment on the road at Spennymoor Town, as we fell to defeat thanks to a brace from Isaac Fletcher and a free-kick from Matthew Dolan.
The Opposition
Gavin Cowan’s men faced play-off heartbreak at the end of last season when they missed out on promotion with defeat to Boston United in the play-off final, after they finished third in the regular campaign.
Brackley have kept the core of their squad from last season’s promotion attempt, but have added quality with the addition of midfielder Scott Pollock after he departed from Yeovil Town, and the permanent signing of Connor Hall from Solihull Moors, following a successful loan spell with the club.
We last met the Saints in April, and despite going ahead through Ben Tollitt early on, the hosts finished strongly and recorded a 3-1 victory.
The last meeting at the Deva brought three points for Seals last December, as a George Glendon penalty on the stroke of half-time secured the result.
The Gaffer
As previously mentioned, Gavin Cowan is the boss at St. James’ Park and has been with the club since May 2023.
Previously, the 43-year-old led AFC Telford United in the National League North for just over three years in his first role in management.
Under Cowan, the Bucks missed out the play-offs by goal difference in the 2018/19 campaign, before he departed the New Bucks Head in October 2021 following a poor start the season.
His playing career featured appearances with a host of National League and EFL names, such as Shrewsbury Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Borough and Fleetwood Town.
One to watch
Attacking midfielder Morgan Roberts will be looking to build on a fantastic first season in a Brackley shirt.
The 23-year-old netted 10 National League North goals, while also providing plenty of chances for the forward line, which features proven goalscorers Connor Hall and Danny Newton.
Roberts began his career at Northampton Town and made his professional debut for the Cobblers in a 2-2 draw with Oldham Athletic in May 2018.
During the 2019/20 season he was sent on a plethora of loan spells, firstly at AFC Rushden and Diamonds before stints at Banbury United and tomorrow’s opponents, Brackley Town.
He re-joined Banbury United in 2021 and was a part of their Southern League Premier Division success in that season, which earned Roberts a move back to the EFL with Swindon Town.
Since then, he spent a short on loan at Aldershot Town before signing permanently for Brackley in the summer of 2023, before his promising first full season at St. James’ Park.
Match Preview by Tom Bird.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Saturday.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Tickets: Available online – CLICK HERE! Contactless payments are available at the turnstile, with cash payments available at the Ticket Office.
DJ and Blues fan Adam Gowen will be performing in the outside area of The Cestrian bar from 1.15pm until towards kick off tomorrow – make sure you come along!
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 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 on the big screens.
Inside the ground, the Kiosks will now be serving a wider variety of pies during the new campaign, including Cottage Pies!
Lupus makes his return for 2024/25 this weekend, freshly kitted out in our iconic blue colours, and brings with him our selfie frame, while Nuffield Health – our Health and Wellbeing Partners – will also be on hand with their stall outside the Main Stand.
The Club Shop will be open from 1pm and some of our new season Hope + Glory training wear will be able to purchase – keep your eyes peeled!
Those that are yet to collect their Season Ticket Cards will be able to do so from the Ticket Office window prior to kick off tomorrow.
We strongly encourage those that are yet to collect their cards to come to the ground as early as possible prior to the match to avoid last minute queues and potentially missing some of the game. The Office will open at 1pm tomorrow.
A reminder that Season Tickets were digital first this year, and all printed cards required an additional payment of £2.
MATCHDAY COVERAGE
Free commentary on Seals Live: 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