Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Chorley

Chester FC are back at the Deva Stadium this afternoon, for an Enterprise National League North clash with Chorley.

Their last meeting with Chorley down CH1 saw Calum McIntyre’s men secure all three points in November 2024, courtesy of a close-range finish from Tom Peers and a powerful header from Harrison Burke.

The pair are separated by goal difference following the mid-way point of the campaign, trailing the top seven by just three points, after both sides secured play-off berths last term.

The Opposition 

The Magpies started their campaign in fine form, with four wins from their first five, including impressive successes over Darlington, Hereford, and King’s Lynn Town.

A run of just one win in 12 followed the start of October for Andy Preece’s side, a streak that was broken by a stunning 4-2 success on the road at Edgar Street just before Christmas, courtesy of goals from Anjola Popoola, Mark Ellis, Scott Wilson, and Tom Walker.

Saturday’s action will be Chorley’s first of 2026, following their 2-1 home success over Marine on 30th December at Victory Park

The Gaffer

Experience boss Andy Preece is over halfway into his fourth campaign in charge of the Magpies, after a four year stint as Assistant between 2018-22.

The 58-year-old first stepped into management in 1999 with Bury, prior to roles at various clubs such as Worcester City, Northwich Victoria., Airbus UK, and Southport.

Preece also had a distinguished playing career, featuring in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, alongside spells at Stockport County, Bury, Blackpool, and Carlisle United.

One to Watch

Tom Carr has been integral to the Magpies’ attacking output so far this campaign, with four goals and three assists to his name in the National League North, having featured in every league outing this term.

The 24-year-old’s goals proved crucial in wins over Darlington and AFC Telford United, whilst his assists have also arrived in key moments against Hereford and Radcliffe.

Carr also impressed last term after moving to Victory Park from Leek Town, scoring on nine occasions to help propel Chorley to a top-five finish.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W8 D9 L8 | F34 A36 | Pos: 13th

Last three

• Macclesfield (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Leak
• Worksop Town (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None
• Scarborough Athletic (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None

Chorley | W9 D6 L9 | F40 A35 | Pos: 12th

Last three

• Hereford (H) | W 4-2 | Scorers: Popoola, Ellis, Wilson, Walker
• AFC Fylde (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: Ormerod
• Marine (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Calveley, Ibbitson

Match Details

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