Preview: Radcliffe (h)
We welcome Radcliffe FC to the Deva Stadium on Tuesday evening for our first midweek game of the campaign.
Calum McIntyre’s men were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Brackley Town on the weekend, in a game where the Blues were made to rue missed chances.
With both teams still searching for their opening victory of the season, this fixture has all the ingredients to be a thrilling encounter, with a number of familiar faces involved.
THE OPPOSITION
Radcliffe were dealt a tricky start to their maiden National League North campaign- and have taken a point from their two opening tests. The Boro clinched their first point in this division on opening weekend, as former Chester man Anthony Dudley restored parity in the dying embers of the game against Scarborough Athletic to make the score 3-3.
They couldn’t emulate that feat on the weekend, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Phil Brown’s Kidderminster Harriers. Bizarrely, all three goals were scored in a five-minute frenzy.
Of course, Radcliffe earned their place in the National League North by winning the Northern Premier Division a few months ago, scoring over a century of goals in the process.
The Greater Manchester based team ended up being ten points clear of second place Macclesfield.
THE GAFFER(S)
Radcliffe adopt the unique model of employing two joint managers, with both being no strangers to CH1.
Co-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley were in the dugout at the Deva for over three years before departing in 2021. They guided the club through a challenging time, as their tenure was amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which massively disrupted league football.
After leaving the Blues, they lead Spennymoor Town to a respectable 10th position in the league before departing the Moors after only 8 months at the club.
After a short break, the double act returned to management with Radcliffe, and at the first time of asking they got promoted as Champions.
The pair are most commonly known for being the first managerial appointments for Salford City’s current owners, the ‘Class of ’92’, back in 2014. They featured on the popular BBC documentary Class of ’92: Out of their League, about Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and co.’s journey of owning a club in non-league and the trials and tribulations that naturally follow.
Johnson and Morley initially started their managerial career at Ramsbottom, guiding the Rams out of the eighth tier, before dropping back down into the same tier to join Salford City.
Whilst with the Amnies, they steered the club into the National League, laying the foundations for the seasons to come as they currently play in League Two, and have been an EFL club for six years now.
ONE TO WATCH
Tom Walker had a debut to remember on opening day as he notched an assist and got himself on the scoresheet in sumptuous fashion.
The midfielder joined tomorrow’s opposition from National League outfit AFC Fylde this summer and he announced his qualities for all to see at the Neuven Stadium in an instant.
Walker opened his account with a perfectly placed free kick, before then turning provider with an inch-perfect assist for Josh Hancock’s equaliser just after the interval.
The 28-year-old has played for a whole host of clubs in and around the National League and he spent a period on loan at Buxton last term. Walker’s experience is invaluable to his side as they try to navigate their way through this tough division for the first time in their history.
Match Preview By Jude Deedigan.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 7.45pm at The Deva Stadium on Tuesday night. The postcode for the ground is CH1 4LT.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Tickets: Available online – CLICK HERE! Contactless 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!
Ginger Cat Coffee will also be back, making their first appearance of the new season serving a wide selection of hot drinks and iced coffees.
The Cestrian Bar will be open from 5pm on Tuesday, 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 be serving their wider variety of pies during the new campaign, including Cottage Pies!
The Club Shop will be open from 6.30pm and some of our new season Hope + Glory training wear will be able to purchase – keep your eyes peeled!
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