Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v King’s Lynn Town

After almost a month away from CH1, Chester FC return to the Deva Stadium as they host King’s Lynn Town.

Calum McIntyre’s side go into the weekend’s action with the best home record in the National League North, with 23 points collected from 11 matches.

However, tomorrow’s opponents will pose a stern test. King’s Lynn Town sit in second position and trail league leaders Curzon Ashton by two points, albeit having played two games more.

It is our final home game of 2024 with our next match at the Deva coming on New Year’s Day against Southport.

There are unique circumstances as both teams last match was away to Brackley Town.

THE OPPOSITION:

The Linnets have made a stark improvement from last season as they have emerged as title contenders.

Adam Lakeland’s side had a turbulent and underwhelming 2023/24 campaign as they finished only five points clear of the relegation spots.

A huge reason behind their recent success is their defensive record as they haven’t conceded in five matches.

During that impregnable run, they have picked up 13 points from five outings including narrowly beating Brackley during the week.

King’s Lynn Town have been in the National League as recently as the 2021/22 season where a two year stint in the fifth tier came to a disappointing end.

THE GAFFER:

Adam Lakeland has been in charge at the Walks since September 2023.

The 40-year-old has vast experience at this level having previously managed Curzon Ashton and Farsley Celtic.

While with the latter, Lakeland guided the Yorkshire-based club to two promotions including winning the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2019.

The UEFA A licensed coach started his career in women’s football before taking up the assistant manager role at Curzon.

ONE TO WATCH:

Kyle Callan-McFadden has been at heart of King’s Lynn Town’s resolute defence, including contributing offensively.

The 29-year-old scored the winner in midweek as he bundled in the decisive goal from a corner away to Brackley.

The Linnets haven’t conceded in almost 500 minutes of football and Callan-McFadden has played every second of that impressive patch of form.

The Irishman made two appearances for Norwich City in his earlier years before having a brief stint in America with Orlando City B.

Callan-McFadden then made over a century of appearances for Sligo Rovers in his native Ireland before moving to King’s Lynn Town in 2020.

Jonathon Margetts is also one to keep an eye on, as the forward has netted on seven occasions in the National League North.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE:

King’s Lynn Town | W12 D4 L6 | F27 A19 | Pos: 2nd

Last Three

Scarborough Athletic (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Greg Taylor

Alfreton Town (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A

Brackley Town (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Kyle Callan-McFadden

Chester FC | W9 D5 L6 | F25 A21 | Pos: 10th

Last Three

Oxford City (H) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Tom Peers x3

Warrington Town (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke

Brackley Town (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

MATCH DETAILS:

Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Saturday.