Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v AFC Fylde

Chester FC host the league leaders on Saturday afternoon, in the Enterprise National League North, as AFC Fylde make the trip to the Deva Stadium.

Connell Rawlinson’s side will be full of confidence ahead of the contest after three wins on the bounce, on the road against Curzon Ashton and Macclesfield, as well a tight home success against AFC Telford United on Good Friday!

The Opposition

The Coasters have impressed throughout the campaign and currently find themselves six points clear of South Shields, who have been the nearest challengers all term.

Fylde took full advantage of a slip-up from the Mariners on East Monday, as a Cedric Main finish stunned the 1st Cloud Arena to earn all three points for Darlington.

This allowed Craig Mahon’s side to build a buffer at the top despite a nervy afternoon at Mill Farm, as an initial three-goal lead was wiped out by Radcliffe in the second-half, only for Ethan Mitchell to step up in the 75th minute to claim all three points for the hosts.

The Gaffer

Former Chester FC stalwart Craig Mahon, who made 239 appearances for the Blues between 2013-20, has been in the dugout at Mill Farm since last summer.

Mahon’s objective was clear at Fylde after his switch from fellow NLN outfit Curzon Ashton, to regain the Coasters’ National League status following relegation last term.

The Irishman made a positive impact during his time with his previous club, The Nash, who he led to the two highest league finishes in the club’s history, during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.

One to Watch

Promising talent Danny Ormerod has enjoyed a stellar campaign on the Coasters’ return to the sixth tier.

The 19-year-old has netted on 27 occasions in 39 appearances, claiming the title as the division’s current leading goalscorer, two goals clear of South Shields’ talisman Paul Blackett.

A sensational run in February and March saw Ormerod score 10 times in just nine outings, a run in which the Coasters recorded six successive wins.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chester FC | W18 D12 L13 | F63 A63 | Pos: 8th

Last three

• Curzon Ashton (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: S. Burgess
• AFC Telford United (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Croker
• Macclesfield (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Bainbridge

AFC Fylde | W30 D4 L9 | F104 A48| Pos: 1st

Last three

• Marine (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Lewis, McAleny
• Chorley (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: Bird, Ellis
• Radcliffe (H) | W 4-3 | Scorers: Thomas x2, Whelan, Mitchell

MATCH DETAILS

The match will kick-off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium.