Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Kidderminster Harriers

The Blues return to the Deva Stadium today (Saturday 18th October) for a clash with Kidderminster Harriers.

Calum McIntyre’s men progressed to the FA Cup First Round in midweek with a 2-0 replay win over Morecambe.

Dylan Mottley-Henry opened the scoring in the 79th minute before Jack Bainbridge rifled an effort into the top corner from long-range to seal the result.

Our most recent meeting with the Harriers came on a memorable day in May at Aggborough as goals from Mottley-Henry and Declan Weeks secured a 2-1 success in the National League North play-off semi-final.

The Opposition:

Adam Murray’s side currently sit outside off the play-offs on goal difference with a record of 16 points from 11 outings.

After a positive start to life with their new boss, form has dipped in recent weeks and the club have gone four matches without a win.

Their most recent encounter saw a 5-1 defeat to Radcliffe in Worcestershire, as the Boro moved up to fourth with a fourth win on the spin.

The Gaffer:

As previously mentioned, Adam Murray was appointed as the new boss at Aggborough in the summer after the departure of Phil Brown.

A former Harrier as a player over two spells in 2003 and 2004, the 44-year-old featured for a plethora of clubs including Mansfield Town, Burton Albion and Notts County.

Murray’s managerial career started with a two year stint at Mansfield Town before a move to Boston United in 2016.

Various coaching roles at clubs such as Barnsley, West Bromwich Albion, and Besiktas followed, before a return to management with AFC Fylde in 2022.

One To Watch:

Stourbridge-born, versatile defender Reece Devine has been a major figure in the Kidderminster team since his arrival in the summer of 2024.

An impressive youth career saw the 23-year-old involved in academies at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City, and Manchester United before loan stints away from the latter to St. Johnstone and Walsall.

A permanent switch to Swindon Town followed before a move to Aggborough in August 2024.

League Form Guide:

Chester FC | W2 D5 L3 | F13 A19 | Pos: 17th

Last three

• Scarborough Athletic (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
• Darlington (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: P. Jones
• Merthyr Town (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Zanzala, Handley (OG)

Kidderminster Harriers | W4 D4 L3 | F14 A16 | Pos: 9th

Last three

• Buxton (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Morgan-Smith, Willoughby
• Peterborough Sports (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Booth, Oakley
• Radcliffe (H) | L 5-1 | Scorers: Willoughby

MATCH DETAILS:

Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium.