PREVIEW | Woking v Chester

    The Blues are back in action this weekend – two weeks after their last National League fixture. Woking are the opposition for Marcus Bignot’s side.

    For Chester it will be all about bouncing back – a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Maidenhead last time out saw the Blues remain in the bottom four of the National League and they were unable to make up ground on the teams above.

    James Jones’ red card in the 11th minute set the tone for a difficult afternoon at York Road – his sending off means the teenage defender is suspended for this game. John McCombe left the club yesterday – and has since joined National League North side Harrogate Town. Defensive reinforcements are available though – with on-loan Shaun Hobson expected to make his debut following his temporary move from AFC Bournemouth.

    Myles Anderson also joined the Club yesterday – and is expected to be back in full training on Monday after an injury that has kept him out since December.

    Woking won this reverse fixture 2-0 back in October – which was Marcus Bignot’s first defeat as Chester Manager. Anthony Limberick’s side play some delightful, free-flowing football and made it to the FA Cup Second Round this season. Drawing with Bury in Round One, they made no mistake in the replay and thrashed the League One side 3-0 at Gigg Lane. A 1-1 draw again in the next round followed against Peterborough – before a 5-2 away defeat in the replay.

    They got back to winning ways in the National League in their last game – an impressive 1-0 home win against in-form AFC Fylde.

    History Books

    Club Historian Chas Sumner picks out some stats ahead of the game…

    • – The Blues have only won one of the nine games against Woking home and away since 2010
    • – The reformed Blues’ only victory at Woking came in January 2014. Jamie Menagh scored the only goal in Steve Burr’s 2nd league game in charge
    • – Chester City won one and lost three of their four games at Kingfield
    • – Michael Twiss scored the Conference Goal of the Season at Woking in February 2004 in a 2-1 win. Danny Collins scored the other.
    • – Kevin McIntyre and Wayne Hatswell were both sent off at Woking in October 2002. Ben Heneghan was sent off in a 5-2 defeat in August 2015

    ONE TO WATCH

    Kane Ferdinand – Midfielder

    Cousin of Anton, Rio and Les Ferdinand – Kane joined the Cards from East Thurrock back in December 2016 after an impressive start to the 16-17 season. He’s made 35 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring four goals; including an absolute stunner against Maidstone (below). Back in 2012, the box-to-box midfielder was sold by Southend to Peterborough for a fee of £200,000.

    Match Details

    Kick off at The Laithwaite Community Stadium tomorrow is 3pm.

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