Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Leamington

Chester FC are back in league action this afternoon, for a clash with Leamington at the Deva Stadium.

It’s the first of back-to-back home games in the space of four days for the Blues, as they also prepare for the visit of Hereford on Tuesday night.

Their most recent league test ended level on the road at Southport, as goals from Offrande Zanzala and Connor Woods were cancelled out by Sonny Hilton and Adrien Thibaut.

The Opposition:

Leamington have endured a tough start to 25/26 and currently sit 24th in the Enterprise National League North, three points below the dotted line.

Three wins out of four during late August and early September have been followed up by a nine-match winless streak.

Despite their league position, only three clubs boast a better defensive record than the Brakes after 16 games, with just 21 goals conceded, which is only bettered by South Shields, Radcliffe, and Macclesfield.

The Warwickshire-based outfit did get back to winning ways last Saturday, courtesy of a home win in the Isuzu FA Trophy over Maidenhead United.

The Gaffer:

Long-serving boss Paul Holleran celebrated his 16th year in charge of the club prior to last weekend’s success, having taken over in November 2009.

Injuries forced the 55-year-old to make an early switch into coaching after stints as a player for Alvechurch and Solihull Borough.

Before his move to Leamington in 2009, Holleran managed at Kings Norton Town, Solihull Borough and Rushall Olympic, as well as a stint in the coaching setup at Halesowen Town.

One to Watch:

Exciting midfielder Ewan Williams has been directly involved in over a third of the Brakes’ goals so far this term.

The 22-year-old made the switch to Leamington from Coleshill Town in 2023, and featured in all-but-one of Leamington’s games last term in a successful first season back in the sixth tier, following promotion through the Southern League Premier Division Central play-offs in 2024.

Williams has already equalled last season’s goal tally this campaign, two of which were crucial in a 2-1 win over Radcliffe, with his other also being a match-winner in the Brakes’ victory over Southport.

League Form Guide:

Chester FC | W4 D8 L4 | F22 A26 | Pos: 15th

Last three

• Marine (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: J. Jones
• Buxton (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Bainbridge x2
• Southport (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Zanzala, Woods

Leamington | W3 D4 L9 | F11 A21 | Pos: 24th

Last three

• Oxford City (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Lynn
• King’s Lynn Town (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None
• Marine (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None

MATCH DETAILS:

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