Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Buxton

Calum McIntyre’s men are back down CH1 this afternoon, for the visit of Derbyshire-based outfit Buxton in the Enterprise National League North.

The Blues’ defensive options have been bolstered ahead of the clash after the addition of experienced defender Tom Davies, who joins on loan from Salisbury until the end of the season.

The Opposition:

Buxton sit level on points with the Seals following their opening 29 league outings, with a six-point gap between themselves and the top seven at present.

John McGrath’s side have endured mixed form at the beginning of 2026, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats to date in the calendar year.

Midweek action saw a home stalemate against Peterborough Sports at The Silverlands, following a 2-1 home loss in their previous contest at the hands of Spennymoor Town.

The Bucks’ most recent success came in style away from home, as they ran out 5-1 victors over Radcliffe in Greater Manchester, courtesy of goals from Luke Brennan, Zak Gilsenan, Kieran Burton, Tai Sodje, and Connor Douglas.

The Gaffer:

John McGrath is well into his second full season in charge at The Silverlands following his switch from Mickleover in the summer of 2024, a move that ended an eight-year association with his previous club.

He reached the top seven in his maiden campaign in charge of the Bucks last term, but failed to progress past the Eliminator stage following a 2-1 defeat at the Deva Stadium in April.

As a player, the 45-year-old featured on over 200 occasions for Burton Albion between 2007-13, with other stints coming at the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, and Tamworth.

One to Watch:

A new face in Derbyshire this season, Tai Sodje has made a big impact at the club since his release from Manchester City at end of last term.

The forward is averaging over a goal every two games in the Enterprise National League North so far this season, with 11 in 20 encounters, as well as two in his last two appearances, in dominant wins over Marine and Radcliffe.

Sodje starred for City at youth level, with 19 goals in 27 U18 Premier League appearances, and seven goals from 19 games in Premier League 2, before unfortunate injury problems led to his release last summer.

League Form Guide:

Chester FC | W10 D11 L11 | F45 A51 | Pos: 14th

Last three

• Radcliffe | L 3-1 | Scorers: Murray
• Bedford Town | W 2-1 | Scorers: Croker, Shrimpton
• Alfreton Town | D 2-2 | Scorers: Shrimpton, Woods

Buxton | W12 D5 L12 | F52 A42 | Pos: 12th

Last three

• Radcliffe (A) | W 5-1 | Scorers: Brennan, Gilsenan, Burton, Sodje, Douglas
• Spennymoor Town (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Kirby
• Peterborough Sports (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

MATCH DETAILS:

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

BUCKET COLLECTION:

Volunteers will be collecting donations for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, to help support the incredible work of the Clatterbridge Cancer Centres, who provide specialist cancer care for local people across Cheshire, Wirral and Merseyside.

Prostate Cancer Awareness:

March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Every single day, 50 new patients walk through the doors of a Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Of those, seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is now the most common cancer for men.

The good news is that prostate cancer can be effectively treated, especially when diagnosed early. Thanks to ongoing research, there are now more treatments available than ever before.

Glow Green Night Walk:

For the first time, the Glow Green Night Walk will be taking place in Chester as well as Liverpool this year, so support the vital work of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity by joining the walk on the 27^th February.

Get your best green wigs and tutus out and come along with friends and family to join the fun – It is a very special and emotional event and last year raised just over £270,000, all going to support local people with cancer.

Every donation made on Saturday will help support patients and families in our community when they need it most.