Preview: Buxton (A)

    The Blues are back in Enterprise National League North action tomorrow with a trip to Buxton.

    Calum McIntyre’s side earned a late point in midweek against Marine at the Deva Stadium, thanks to a stoppage-time header from James Jones, after George Newell had put the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time.

    Our most recent trip to the Silverlands ended in an entertaining 4-2 success for the Seals back in January, courtesy of a brace from Charlie Caton, a close-range finish from Harrison Burke, and a second-half stunner from Jack Bainbridge.

    The Opposition

    Buxton have pushed up the table over recent weeks following an inconsistent start to their National League North campaign, and now find themselves in 10th, just one point behind the play-off spots.

    Defeat to Southport on Tuesday night saw the end of a six-match unbeaten run in the league, with four FA Cup victories also coming in that period.

    In the league, the streak garnered 16 points out of a possible 18, and included wins over Darlington, Chorley, and Alfreton Town.

    The loss in midweek was the Bucks’ first since a 2-1 defeat on the road at Scarborough Athletic in early September.

    The Gaffer

    John McGrath called time on an eight-year association with Mickleover in the summer of 2024 to move to Buxton, as the club made the switch from part-time to full-time status.

    His first campaign at the Silverlands resulted in a play-off berth, before defeat in the Eliminator at the Deva back in April as the Blues ran out 2-1 winners.

    The Irishman’s most notable spell as a player came with Burton Albion, where he made over 200 appearances and played a major role in the club’s promotion to the Football League in 2009.

    The 45-year-old also featured for Aston Villa, Doncaster Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, and Tamworth.

    One To Watch

    Tai Sodje has made a big impact in Derbyshire after his move from Manchester City over the summer, a club at which he initially signed for in 2015 from Sheffield United.

    The 22-year-old has netted on seven occasions during his first 11 league outings for the Bucks, a record that includes an impressive brace that earned a point against South Shields, who sit top of the division.

    The forward has continued to score at crucial times this season, having secured all three points with the winning goal in victories over Oxford City and Darlington.

    League Form Guide

    Buxton | W7 D2 L5 | F27 A20 | Pos: 10th

    Last three

    Peterborough Sports (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Stephenson, Kirby

    Alfreton Town (H) | W 6-0 | Scorers: Greaves, Burton x2, Brennan, Sodje, McLean

    Southport (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Brennan

    Chester FC | W3 D7 L4 | F18 A23 | Pos: 18th

    Last three

    Alfreton Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Peers x2

    Bedford Town (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Zanzala

    Marine (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: J. Jones

    MATCH DETAILS

    Kick off at the Silverlands will be at 15:00. The postcode for the ground is SK17 6QH.

    TICKET DETAILS

    Chester FC supporters can pay at the gate, but are strongly advised to purchase in advance to ease congestion on the day.

    Away fans cannot spectate from the Railway End Stand.

    Prices

    • Adults – £15
    • Concessions – £10
    • Students and Under 16’s – £5
    • Under 11’s – £2

    CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT!

    TRAVEL

    By Car – Leave Chester on the M56 before joining the M6 Southbound at junction nine. Exit the M6 at junction 19 and head east, through Knutsford, onto the A537. This merges into the A54, before the A53 takes you into Buxton. Leave the B5059 for Darwin Avenue which leads onto Silverlands, before the ground emerges to your right.

    By Train – The journey from Chester to Buxton will take over two hours via train. Supporters can take a Northern service to Stockport, before changing onto a Northern service that ends at Buxton. The station is located 0.5 miles from the Silverlands.

    We hope to see you there. UTS!