Blues Match Preview: Bedford Town v Chester FC

Chester FC head to Bedfordshire today for a clash with Bedford Town at The New Eyrie.

Calum McIntyre’s attacking options have been bolstered ahead of the clash thanks to the signing of talented forward Jaiden White.

The 23-year-old joins the Blues on loan from National League outfit Sutton United until the end of the season, and arrives at the Deva after an impressive 2024/25 with Hereford, where he scored nine times in 29 National League North appearances.

The Opposition:

The Eagles have consolidated following promotion from the SL Premier Division Central last term, and currently find themselves with a buffer of six points to the bottom four.

Their latest victory came on the road at Alfreton Town on the 24th January, courtesy of second-half strikes from Ryan Doherty and Tyrone Marsh.

Since then, a defeat away at Macclesfield was sandwiched between two impressive draws, a 0-0 home stalemate with fourth-placed Kidderminster Harriers, and a dramatic draw on the road at Curzon Ashton in midweek, in which Marsh netted a 97th minute equaliser.

The Gaffer:

Lee Bircham has impressed in the dugout at The New Eyrie since his appointment in May 2023.

His first two campaigns in charge resulted in promotions, firstly from the SL Division One Central in 2024, an achievement that was backed up by last term’s aforementioned SL Premier Division Central success.

His pair at the Eagles made it three back-to-back promotions for Bircham on a personal level, after he led Leighton Town to the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title during the 2022/23 season.

One to Watch:

Following Ricardo Rees’ switch to Forest Green Rovers from Merthyr Town, Bedford now boast the National League North’s current top scorer in their ranks, as Tyrone Marsh’s brace in midweek took his tally up to 22 for the campaign.

When including his three assists, the 32-year-old has contributed to over half of the club’s tally of 47 goals so far this term.

Marsh started his career at Oxford United, and has since featured for a number of clubs, most notably Dover Athletic, Macclesfield, and Boreham Wood.

League Form Guide:

Bedford Town | W8 D9 L14 | F47 A53 | Pos: 16th

Last three

• Kidderminster Harriers (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None
• Macclesfield (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Brown
• Curzon Ashton (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Marsh x2

Chester FC | W9 D10 L11 | F41 A48 | Pos: 13th

Last three

• Peterborough Sports (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None
• Marine (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Woods
• Radcliffe (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Murray

MATCH DETAILS:

Kick off at The New Eyrie will be at 15:00.