Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v AFC Telford United

Chester FC host AFC Telford United on Good Friday with just five Enterprise National League North fixtures left to play.

Connell Rawlinson’s men will be looking to build on last week’s gritty 1-0 win over Curzon Ashton, courtesy of a stunning long-range strike from Scott Burgess.

The Opposition

The Bucks are firmly in the play-off conversation as the division heads towards the final few weeks of the campaign.

Currently in ninth, Kevin Wilkin’s side are two points off the top seven at present and one point clear of the Blues having played the same number of games.

Following a fantastic streak of just two league defeats in 18 encounters between mid-November and the end of February, the Shropshire-based outfit have earned just one success from their last five, a comfortable 3-0 success over Macclesfield at the New Bucks Head.

The Gaffer

Kevin Wilkin brought experience to the dugout when appointed in Shropshire back in 2022 during a campaign in which the Bucks were relegated from the sixth tier.

His side bounced back to the National League North last term via the Southern League Premier Division Central play-offs, courtesy of an away victory over Kettering Town last May.

Wilkin’s most notable stint came between September 2015 and September 2022 with Brackley Town, who he led to multiple NLN play-off berths.

He also guided the Saints to FA Trophy success in 2018, as Brackley were victorious at Wembley against Bromley on penalties in front of over 30,000 fans.

One to Watch

Exciting midfielder Remi Walker has been a major cog in the Bucks’ creative output throughout this term.

The 23-year-old’s third season with the club, following a move from Birmingham City in 2023, has produced 14 goals and seven assists, helping Telford move towards the top seven over the winter months.

Walker netted in three successive outings at the beginning of March, during defeats to Leamington and AFC Fylde, as well as a win over Alfreton Town.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W16 D12 L13 | F59 A62 | Pos: 11th

Last three

• Kidderminster Harriers (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Shrimpton
• Southport (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
• Curzon Ashton (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: S. Burgess

AFC Telford United | W16 D13 L12 | F79 A56 | Pos: 9th

Last three

• Macclesfield (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Cawthorne, George x2
• Marine (H) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None
• Bedford Town (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Pigott, Fletcher

MATCH DETAILS

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