Preview: South Shields (H)
The Blues are back at the Deva Stadium tomorrow after 25 days away for the visit of high-flying South Shields!
Our most recent outing was a 2-0 success over King’s Lynn Town at The Walks, courtesy of first-half goals from Jack Bainbridge and Kevin Roberts.
The win in Norfolk followed a fantastic midweek victory at Radcliffe, as goals from Pat Jones, Tom Peers, and Connor Woods earned all three points at the Neuven Stadium.
THE OPPOSITION
The Mariners sit just one point off top spot in the Enterprise National League North after a fantastic start to their campaign.
Ian Watson’s side remained unbeaten in the league until late October, when they tasted defeat away at Macclesfield.
Since our last outing at King’s Lynn, South Shields have been in action twice, firstly a 1-0 defeat in the FA Trophy, once again at the hands of the Silkmen, before a 2-1 success over Peterborough Sports in midweek at the 1st Cloud Arena.
THE GAFFER
A first stint in football management is progressing smoothly for Ian Watson in the North-East, following various spells as an Assistant Manager to Mike Williamson, at Gateshead, MK Dons, and Carlisle United.
The 39-year-old enjoyed considerable success during his time under Williamson at Gateshead, where the pair earned the Vanarama National League North title in 2022, before guiding the Heed to the FA Trophy Final just a year later.
They then oversaw MK Dons’ rise from 16th in League Two, early in the 23/24 campaign, to a play-off berth by the end of the season.
A spell in Cumbria followed before a second spell in Milton Keynes, which came to an end this summer as Watson moved into the dugout at the 1st Cloud Arena.
ONE TO WATCH
A prominent summer signing from Carlisle United, Cedwyn Scott has made a big impact with the Mariners and has formed a dangerous partnership with talisman Paul Blackett.
Scott has 11 league goals to his name already this term, playing a major role in the club’s fast start of nine wins from their opening 11 encounters.
Braces have been secured in wins over Radcliffe and AFC Fylde, as well as crucial goals against the likes of Bedford Town, Scarborough Athletic, and King’s Lynn Town.
The 27-year-old started his career at Huddersfield Town before a switch to Scotland saw him feature for Dundee FC, Berwick Rangers, and Forfar Athletic.
Since his move back to English football, the forward has turned out for Dunston UTS, Hebburn Town, Gateshead, and Notts County, as well as his aforementioned stint at Brunton Park.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Chester FC | W7 D9 L4 | Pos: 10th
Last three
- Hereford (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Woods
- Radcliffe (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: P. Jones, Peers, Woods
- King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Bainbridge, K. Roberts
South Shields | W14 D4 L3 | F43 A17 | Pos: 2nd
Last three
- Worksop Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Gordon, Jenkins x2
- Kidderminster Harriers (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Morse
- Peterborough Sports (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Blackett, Bainbridge
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!
WHAT’S ON
Saturday’s game at the Deva Stadium is our annual festive fixture!
Prior to the game outside the ground, we will be joined by Santa and his sleigh thanks to the Saughall Rotary Club.
Then at half time, Santa will be walking around the pitch handing out goodies to our youngsters.
Saughall Rotary Club run a number of fund raising events throughout the year which help them to support Local and National charities as well as many community groups and good causes.
Click here for more information on Saughall RC!
UNDER THE CANOPY
Supporters can soak up the atmosphere with tasty food and refreshing drinks in our new-look canopy!
New fencing has been installed in the North-East corner of the ground, allowing for a more comfortable experience under the canopy.
GRILLS AND CHILLS
The popular Grills and Chills van will be at the Deva to provide hot food for supporters!
The menu on Saturday afternoon will include:
- Roast Turkey, with Pigs in Blankets, Cranberry sauce, Stuffing, Vegetables, and Gravy – £7
- Pigs in Blankets, with Cranberry sauce, Stuffing, and Gravy – £5
- Cones of Xmas Potatoes, with Honey, Feta Cheese, and Maple Syrup – £4
- Soft 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