PREVIEW | Eastleigh v Chester
Chester will get a second bite at the cherry this weekend – as Marcus Bignot’s side play their rescheduled game at Eastleigh.
Originally pencilled in for the 30th September, the pitch was deemed to have ‘sub-soil drainage issues’ on arrival to the Silverlake Stadium, and in turn, the Spitfires have offered free entry to Blues fans this Saturday.
Eastleigh have struggled this season, despite a wealth of experience, with plenty of professional football league games under their belts.
Currently sitting in 18th place, Richard Hill’s side have come up against the likes of Sutton, Tranmere and Hartlepool and taken positive results.
Last time out, the Hampshire-based outfit travelled to then league leaders Macclesfield Town, and won 2-1 at the Moss Rose. Mark Yeates scored twice either side of the interval to record Eastleigh’s second win on the road this season.
HISTORY BOOKS
Blues’ 3-0 win at the Silverlake last season marked the club’s first win there. Goals from Kane Richards, Elliott Durrell and Jordan Chapell secured all three points on the south coast for Jon McCarthy’s side.
A 1-0 defeat during the 2015/16 season, and a 3-2 lost in 2014/15 rounds up Chester’s record to one win and two defeats at their ground.
Last time the sides’ faced each other was in March of this year, with the Blues losing 1-0 at the Swansway Chester Stadium – when Scott Wilson poked home a last minute winner for the visitors.
ONE TO WATCH
Ben Williamson – Striker
Known mostly for his spell at Port Vale, Williamson offers something special to an experienced Eastleigh line up.
Notching eight goals already this season, the 28-year old has proven his worth against experienced strikers at the club, such as James Constable and Chris Zebroski.
Williamson signed for the Spitfires this summer after a less successful spell at Cambridge United in League Two.
His pace, movement off the ball, and awareness is a threat to defenders at any level of the game, and is the main target man in Hill’s starting line up this season.
Match Details
Kick off at the Silverlake Stadium tomorrow is 3pm. Blues fans get FREE entry at turnstiles 9 and 10.
Can’t make the game? Follow us on Twitter @ChesterFC for full match updates OR listen to our live and FREE commentary on our dedicated Mixlr page.