Blues Match Preview: Avro v Chester FC

Chester FC begin this season’s FA Trophy journey tomorrow with a trip to NPL Premier Division outfit Avro.

Phil Parkinson’s side will be looking to build on an important 1-0 win over Brackley Town last weekend, courtesy of a late, composed Connor Woods penalty.

The Opposition

Tomorrow’s opponents have started their first campaign in the seventh tier of the English football pyramid in fine fashion, with Avro sat in fifth, six points off the summit of the NPL Premier Division.

The positive start has arrived despite an early managerial change as former Chester goalkeeper Grant Shenton departed in early October, followed by the appointment of Lewis Hardcastle later that month.

Following a fantastic start under Shenton, the Ro stumbled immediately following his departure but have picked up form in November, culminating in an impressive 3-1 win over Whitby Town on Wednesday evening.

The club have flown up the divisions over the last decade after plying their trade in the Manchester Premier Division from 2004-2018, before four promotions in nine years since.

The Gaffer

Lewis Hardcastle was appointed as manager at the Vestacare Stadium just under a month ago after the aforementioned departure of promotion-winning boss Grant Shenton.

The 28-year-old came through the youth system with Blackburn Rovers before going on loans with Salford City, Port Vale and Barrow, prior to a permanent move to the Bluebirds in 2019.

Unfortunately, Lewis was forced to retire at the age of just 22 with a heart condition, but continued his career in football by stepping into coaching, firstly as manager of Daisy Hill.

Hardcastle joined the coaching staff at Warrington Rylands in 2023 under manager Michael Clegg, before also joining the boss at Macclesfield.

Lewis then returned to Rylands in September 2024 to work in Neil Reynolds’ coaching team, prior to his switch to the Vestacare Stadium last month.

One to Watch

Young forward Harry Salt has made an immediate impact for Avro during his first campaign at senior level for the club.

His brace in midweek in the aforementioned win over Whitby took his goal tally up to 11, making him the club’s top scorer as they continue to impress in the seventh tier.

Last campaign, Harry was an integral part of the Under 21 development squad that clinched a league and cup treble, before he made his senior debut for the Ro against Runcorn Linnets back in April 2026.

Match Details

The match at the Vestacare Stadium will kick-off at 15:00 on Saturday 14th November.

The postcode for the ground is OL8 3JH.