Preview: Radcliffe (H)

    The Blues are back at the Deva Stadium tomorrow afternoon for an Enterprise National League North contest with Radcliffe.

    We host the Boro following a stretch of three successive away trips, against Spennymoor Town, Peterborough Sports, and Marine.

    The reverse fixture was a successful one for Calum McIntyre’s side, as goals from Pat Jones, Tom Peers, and Connor Woods earned all three points at the Neuven Stadium back in early December.

    The Opposition

    Despite a recent slump in form, Radcliffe remain inside the top seven following an impressive first-half to their 25/26 campaign.

    Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men enjoyed a run of just one defeat in 11 encounters from the end of August to late November, a streak that fired the club up the division after three losses from their opening four outings.

    Their action to date in 2026 has seen four defeats from five though, with disappointing home defeats to Buxton and Scarborough Athletic arriving in the past seven days.

    The Gaffers

    Johnson and Morley, who managed the Seals for over three years between May 2018 and November 2021, have impressed with Radcliffe since their appointment in the summer of 2023.

    The pair brought immediate success to the Neuven Stadium, lifting the NPL Premier Division title after their opening campaign in charge with a 10-point gap to second-placed Macclesfield.

    Both built their reputation in management whilst in the dugout at Ramsbottom United between 2009 and 2015, before a switch to Salford City where they achieved three promotions in four seasons.

    Following their stint at the Deva Stadium, the pair had a spell with fellow National League North outfit Spennymoor Town, from December 2021 and September 2022.

    One to Watch

    Rio Clegg has starred for the Boro since a permanent move from NPL Division One West side Trafford last summer.

    The 29-year-old has 17 league goals to his name so far this campaign, including two hat-tricks, one in August against Oxford City and the other in September away at Merthyr Town.

    The forward has produced important goals in victories on a number of occasions since his summer switch, notably in wins over Darlington, King’s Lynn Town, and Spennymoor Town.

    League Form Guide

    Chester FC | W9 D10 L10 | F40 A45 | Pos: 12th

    Last three

    • Spennymoor Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: P. Jones, F. Roberts
    • Peterborough Sports (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None
    • Marine (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Woods

    Radcliffe | W13 D4 L11 | F55 A48 | Pos: 6th

    Last three

    • Marine (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None
    • Buxton (H) | L 5-1 | Scorers: Clegg
    • Scarborough (A) | L 4-1 | Scorers: Afuye
    MATCH DETAILS

    The match will kick-off at 15:00 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!

    We are pleased to announce that alongside the Canopy, Kiosk 8 will be open from 12pm, serving hot food and hot/cold refreshments for supporters to enjoy.

    CHILDREN TODAY

    Children Today will be doing a bucket collection at Saturday’s game, any donations would be hugely appreciated!

    The Chester-based charity helps provide vital mobility and sensory equipment for disabled children up to the age of 25. 

    This equipment, from wheelchairs to adapted trikes and buggies, can help children be less isolated, improving their physical wellbeing and enabling them to be more independent. Every penny you donate will help make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with disabilities so, thank you!

    CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CHILDREN TODAY!

    GRILLS AND CHILLS

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

    Saturday’s menu will include:

    • Homemade Mac n Cheese, with pulled Cajun Chicken & Crispy Onions – £7
    • Hot Dog, with Crispy Onions, Cheese & 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 Saturday’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