Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Alfreton Town

Chester FC are back are the Deva Stadium tonight to host Derbyshire-based outfit Alfreton Town.

Saturday’s action brought success for the Blues, as goals from Phil Croker and Fin Shrimpton secured all three points against Bedford Town.

The reverse fixture went the way of Chester back in October, as a Tom Peers brace paired with a clean sheet earned a 2-0 win at the Impact Arena.

The Opposition:

The Reds currently find themselves six points from safety in the Enterprise National League North, but with a number of games in hand over the teams directly above them.

Following the postponement of Saturday’s clash with Buxton, Alfreton’s most recent contest was a successful trip to Norfolk at the end of January, as second half goals through Josh Ayres and Siya Ligendza secured a 2-0 victory.

That clash was just the Reds’ third of 2026 and a first win after back-to-back defeats, firstly on the road at Darlington before a home loss to Bedford Town.

The Gaffer:

Jake Buxton was appointed at the Impact Arena back in October, following the departure of long-term boss Billy Heath, who had been in charge for over seven years.

Prior to his switch to Alfreton, the 40-year-old’s coaching experience consisted of a spell as player-manager of Burton Albion, as well as a stint in the coaching setup at Derby County, firstly as a Professional Development Coach and then as Head Coach of the Under-21 team.

Buxton’s most notable spell as a player came with Derby, where he featured over 100 times between 2009-16.

The former defender also turned out for Mansfield Town, Burton Albion, and Wigan Athletic during his playing career.

One to Watch:

Exciting forward Siya Ligendza has been key for Alfreton in attacking areas so far this term.

The 22-year-old has four goals to his name this campaign, two of which arrived in draws, against Bedford Town and Kidderminster Harriers, before his strike in the aforementioned success over King’s Lynn last month.

Ligendza has featured in both the National League North and the National League South after a spell in Cardiff City’s youth setup, having featured for both AFC Fylde and Eastbourne Borough over recent seasons.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W10 D10 L11 | F43 A49 | Pos: 12th

Last three

• Marine (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Woods
• Radcliffe (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Murray
• Bedford Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Croker, Shrimpton

Alfreton Town | W6 D7 L13 | F23 A47 | Pos: 22nd

Last three

• Darlington (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Cummings
• Bedford Town (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Wallace
• King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Ayres, Ligendza

MATCH DETAILS:

The match will kick-off at 19:45 at the Deva Stadium.