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

Chester FC's final outing of the 2025/26 National League North campaign will see King’s Lynn Town travel to the Deva Stadium.

The contest is a vital one for both sides, with Blues attempting to secure a play-off place, while the visitors are in desperate need of points to try and ensure survival at this level.

The reverse fixture saw all three points make their way back to Cheshire from Norfolk in December, courtesy of first-half goals from Jack Bainbridge and Kevin Roberts.

The Opposition

A recent run of five games without a win has dragged Paul Caddis’ men into a relegation battle on the final day.

To ensure safety, the Linnets need to match or improve on the results on two of either Hereford, Curzon Ashton, and Alfreton Town.

Hereford play host to Peterborough Sports on Saturday at Edgar Street, whilst Curzon and Alfreton meet in Derbyshire for a crunch clash.

King’s Lynn snatched a useful point at the death last time out, as Carlton Ubaezuonu’s close-range finish in the 95th minute levelled the arrears against Chorley in Norfolk.

The Gaffer

Paul Caddis was appointed at The Walks in early March, less than a month after his departure from Hereford in mid-February.

Both of his completed campaigns with the Bulls ended narrowly outside the play-off spots, six points away in 23/24, and just a solitary point adrift of the top seven last term.

The Scotsman’s most notable spell as a player came at Birmingham City, where he made over 100 appearances and was responsible for one of the Championship’s most dramatic escapes from relegation, as his late goal away at Bolton Wanderers secured survival on the final day of the 2013/14 campaign.

The 38-year-old’s other former clubs include Celtic, Swindon Town, and Blackburn Rovers.

One to Watch

Midfielder Ross Crane has been a potent force for the Linnets throughout the campaign.

The 23-year-old has netted on nine occasions and assisted four times for the Norfolk-based outfit this term, including a brace in their most recent victory against Leamington in March.

Crane’s impressive performances have earned him both the Players’ Player of the Season Award and the Manager’s Player of the Season Award for 2025/26.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W20 D12 L13 | F66 A64 | Pos: 6th

Last three

• Macclesfield (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Bainbridge
• AFC Fylde (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: T. Davies
• Oxford City (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Shrimpton, T. Davies

King’s Lynn Town | W12 D15 L18 | F56 A64 | Pos: 19th

Last three

• Bedford Town (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None
• Kidderminster Harriers (A) | L 4-1 | Scorers: Crane
• Chorley (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Ubaezuonu

MATCH DETAILS

The match will kick-off at 12:30 at the Deva Stadium.