Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Buxton

The Blues return to action at the Deva on Tuesday night when they host Buxton, following Saturday’s stalemate with Scunthorpe United.

The clash with the Iron was watched on by 3,277 down CH1, our biggest home attendance so far this campaign.

Our most recent meeting with the Bucks saw a 4-1 Seals success, courtesy of goals from Declan Weeks, Harrison Burke, Adam Thomas and Tom Peers.

The Opposition

It has been a challenging start to the season for the Bucks, who currently sit 19th in the National League North, just two points above the relegation zone.

John McGrath’s side are yet to draw a game in the league, but are on a run of seven defeats in their last eight games, after they began the campaign with three wins on the bounce.

The most recent loss came at the hands of King’s Lynn Town, as goals from Ross Crane and Josh Hmami earned all three points for the Linnets.

Former Blues loanee Kieran Burton has started in all-but-one of of Buxton’s league fixtures this term, following a summer move from Hartlepool United.

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

The Gaffer

John McGrath is the man in the dugout for our midweek opponents, following his appointment in May.

It hasn’t started in ideal fashion for the 44-year-old, who previously spent eight years in the hot seat at Mickleover FC, which culminated in a 5th placed finish in the Southern Premier Division Central, last season.

The Irishman started his playing career with Aston Villa in 2001, but made just two appearances before going out on loan to Dagenham and Redbridge.

The midfielder also featured for Doncaster Rovers, Tamworth and Burton Albion.

McGrath helped the Brewers to the Conference title in 2008/09, before they established themselves as an EFL outfit.

One to Watch

Josh Popoola joined the Bucks in the summer from Tonbridge Angels and has immediately established himself as a core player within McGrath’s side.

The right-back is currently top of the scoring charts at the Silverlands, after goals against Farsley Celtic, Darlington and Southport.

Popoola has also picked up two assists this season, highlighting his attacking importance.

The 20-year-old spent seven years in the Watford academy but has featured for a plethora of clubs in recent years, including Stockport County, Spennymoor Town, Chorley and Warrington Town.

League form guide

Chester FC | W5 D4 L2 | F14 A10 | Pos: 7th

Last three

Rushall Olympic (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Nathan Cameron (OG), Charlie Caton.

Farsley Celtic (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

Scunthorpe United (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

Buxton FC | W4 D0 L7 | F12 A14 | POS: 19th

Last three

Curzon Ashton (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None

Hereford (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Connor Kirby

King’s Lynn Town (A) | Scorers: None

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 7.45pm at The Deva Stadium on Tuesday.