Blues Match Preview: Cambridge United v Chester FC

Chester FC's Emirates FA Cup journey continues with a First Round clash on the road at Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon.

The Second Qualifying Round saw the Blues defeat Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold thanks to goals from Tom Peers and Jack Bainbridge, prior to a 5-1 success over Curzon Ashton at the Deva Stadium.

A 1-1 draw at Morecambe in the Fourth Qualifying Round forced a replay before a close-range finish from Dylan Mottley-Henry and another stunner from Bainbridge earned the Seals a second First Round berth in three years.

The Opposition:

Cambridge sit 13th in EFL League Two with a record of 21 points from their opening 14 encounters.

The U’s ended last term nine points from safety in League One, a campaign that ended a four-year stretch in the Third tier.

Last Saturday saw Neil Harris’ men fall to a 2-0 defeat at Notts County thanks to a brace from Alassana Jatta, a result that followed an impressive 2-1 home success over Bromley, courtesy of first-half goals from Shayne Lavery and Kylian Kouassi.

25/26 is the club’s 12th consecutive season in the EFL after promotion from the National League in 2014, a campaign in which the club finished second behind champions Luton Town, but claimed victory in the play-offs over Gateshead at Wembley.

The Gaffer:

Experienced boss Neil Harris started his second spell at the Abbey Stadium in February after a previous stint between December 2023 and February 2024.

As a player, Harris featured on over 200 occasions for Millwall from 1998-2004, before a second spell between 2007-2011 took his total appearances for the Lions up to 432.

The 48-year-old also holds the accolade as the club’s all-time top goalscorer, with 138 goals in all competitions.

Harris has also took charge of Millwall over three separate stints, with further management experience at Cardiff City and Gillingham.

One To Watch:

Young forward Kylian Kouassi has made an impact in Cambridgeshire after joining on loan from Blackpool over the summer.

Two goals have come in the league so far this term and one in the club’s stunning EFL Cup success over Charlton Athletic in late August.

The 22-year-old started his career at Sutton United before a move to the Tangerines in 2023.

Kouassi spent a year on loan at Salford City last season, prior to a move to the Cledara Abbey Stadium in August.

Match Details:

Saturday’s match will kick-off at 15:00 at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.

The postcode for the ground is CB5 8LN.