Blues Match Preview: Buxton v Chester FC

Chester FC travel to Buxton on Saturday, for a return to league action after a ten-day hiatus, following the goalless draw with Southport on New Year’s Day.

Their reverse fixture with the Bucks ended in a narrow defeat for Calum McIntyre’s side at the Deva Stadium in October, as Ethan Fitzhugh grabbed the only goal of the game in the 14th minute.

Declan Weeks, Harrison Burke, Adam Thomas and Tom Peers all got on the scoresheet during the Seals’ most recent trip to the Silverlands, a 4-1 success back in March 2024.

The Opposition

The Bucks sit just inside the play-off spots after the first half of the campaign, but have not featured in National League North action for 16 days due to a duo of postponements.

John McGrath’s side got the better of fellow Derbyshire based outfit Alfreton Town on Boxing Day, an entertaining 3-2 victory that saw all of the goals scored in the first half of the contest.

Buxton have been one of the most in form teams in the division since late October, with a record of eight wins, two draws and two defeats from their last 12 outings.

The Bucks’ home ground, the Silverlands, is the highest in England, sat at 310 metres above sea level.

The Gaffer

Irishman John McGrath has been in the dugout since May 2024, when he replaced Craig Elliot, who departed after a 14th placed finish last season.

McGrath oversaw the Bucks’ switch to a full-time model in the summer, and has had a positive impact since his appointment after a rocky start to the campaign, 

The former Aston Villa youth product left his post at NPL Premier Division club Mickleover to join Buxton, after a successful tenure at the Don Amott Arena in which he guided the club to a play-off position last season, before a defeat to AFC Telford United at the semi-final stage.

An extensive playing career saw the 44-year-old feature for the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers and Burton Albion.

His time with the latter saw success as McGrath picked up the Player of the Season accolade at the end of the 2007/08 campaign before he played a crucial role in the Brewers’ promotion to the Football League in the 2008/09 season.

One To Watch

True Grant has been an ever present between the sticks for the Bucks this season and has impressed in his first year of senior football.

The Manchester City loanee made the switch from Derby County to the Premier League champions in 2018 where he has flourished at academy level.

At the age of 19, Grant has conceded just 27 goals in Buxton’s 23 league encounters, a record which has included five clean sheets.

The youngster has also been nominated for the club’s player of the month award for December, after important wins over Farsley Celtic and Alfreton Town.

True is also the son of former Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley and Derby County shot-stopper Lee Grant.

League Form Guide

Buxton FC | W12 D2 L9 | F37 A27 | Pos: 7th

Last three

Farsley Celtic (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Luke Brennan x2

Warrington Town (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None

Alfreton Town (H) | W 3-2 | Scorers: Kieran Burton, Tom Elliot, Ben Sault

Chester FC | W10 D7 L6 | F29 A24 | Pos: 11th

Last three

King’s Lynn Town (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton

Marine (A) | W 3-2 | Scorers: Dylan Mottley-Henry, Iwan Murray, Harrison Burke

Southport (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 3pm at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium on Saturday.

The postcode for the ground is SK17 6QH.

Segregation is in place for this fixture and tickets are now available to purchase online.