Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Leamington

Chester FC welcome Leamington to CH1 this weekend, with only eight games remaining of the regular league season.

Chester FC's final midweek fixture of the campaign ended with a victory as the Blues dispatched of neighbours Warrington Town 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Tom Peers equalised from the spot before Taelor O’Kane completed the comeback with his second goal for the club. Dan Mooney capped off the performance with a goal of the season contender as he managed to beat Dan Atherton from roughly 40 yards out.

Another three points at the Deva Stadium sees Calum McIntyre and his players remain in third position and only two points off league leaders Scunthorpe United.

Our last encounter with the Brakes saw the Seals produce arguably their most efficient display of 2025 so far. By the interval we were 4-0 up, courtesy of goals from Charlie Caton, Tom Peers, Kurt Willoughby and Harrison Burke.

Connor Woods is back in contention for tomorrow’s game. The 27-year-old was ineligible for the match against Warrington following his switch in January.

THE OPPOSITION

Leamington’s survival is virtually guaranteed as they currently reside in the comfort of mid-table.

On Tuesday, Paul Holleran and his players held promotion chasers Kidderminster Harriers to a 1-1 draw in Warwickshire.

However, the Brakes travel to CH1 with one of the worst away records in the division. Only Warrington Town (11) and Rushall Olympic (10) have accumulated less points than their 13 on the road.

Saturday’s opponents were promoted into the National League North last season by winning the Southern League Premier Division Central play-offs.

THE GAFFER

Paul Holleran is comfortably the longest-serving manager in the division and continues to be a mainstay in the dugout at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium.

In November, the 54-year-old celebrated 15 years as Leamington manager. During the decade and a half in Warwickshire, Holleran has been in charge for over 750 games.

After two knee operations forced him into a premature retirement from playing the beautiful game, the Englishman dived into the world of coaching.

Prior to his lengthy stint as Leamington manager, Holleran was at the helm at Rushall Olympic, Solihull Moors and Halesowen Town.

Alongside leading the Brakes back to the sixth tier last campaign, the seasoned tactician has also guided the club to three Birmingham Senior Cup triumphs.

ONE TO WATCH

Goalscoring defenders have been more prominent than ever in this National League North campaign, and George Ward is a recent example of this trend.

The centre-back is a man in form, having found the net in two of his last three games.

Ward salvaged a valuable point for his side in midweek with a towering headed equaliser against Kidderminster Harriers. He also scored the opener in a 2-0 away victory over Southport ten days ago, which takes his overall tally for the season to four.

The 23-year-old joined the club last summer from Southern League Premier Division Central outfit Barwell FC.

His consistency with the Canaries earned him plenty of plaudits and he claimed three awards at the end of the season. Ward was named the Player’s Player of the Season, Supporters Player of the Season and Young Supporters Player of the Season.

The defender comes from humble beginnings. He initially represented Loughborough Students while studying at university where he managed to reach the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

His eye-catching performances convinced National League South side Weymouth to secure his services, but a return to university saw him join Barwell on a dual registration.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chester FC | W20 D10 L8 | F60 A37 | Pos: 3rd

Last Three

Needham Market (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Taelor O’Kane

Chorley (A) | L 3-2 | Scorers: Tom Peers x2

Warrington Town (H) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Tom Peers, Taelor O’Kane, Dan Mooney

Leamington FC | W14 D8 L15 | F49 A45 | Pos: 14th

Last Three

Southport (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: George Ward, Henry Landers

Scunthorpe United (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: N/A

Kidderminster Harriers (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: George Ward

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

MATCH DETAILS

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