Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Macclesfield FC

Macclesfield are the visitors to the Deva Stadium this evening for an all-Cheshire clash in the Enterprise National League North.

It’s a quick turnaround for both sides after Boxing Day action, following the Blues’ defeat at AFC Telford United and the Silkmen’s 2-0 home loss to Buxton.

The most recent competitive meeting between the pair came in April 2018, as a 1-0 success for Macclesfield Town pushed the club closer towards the Vanarama National League title.

The Opposition

Macclesfield sit 14th following their title-wining NPL Premier Division campaign last term, with a current record of 30 points from their opening 20 outings.

The Silkmen have flourished in both cups to date, and have set a Third Round FA Cup date with Premier League outfit Crystal Palace for early January, after wins over Atherton Laburnum Rovers, Nantwich Town, Stamford, AFC Totton, and Slough Town earned progression to this stage.

The club also remain in contention for the Isuzu FA Trophy, as successes over Prescot Cables and South Shields have set up a contest with Woking in the next round.

The Gaffer

John Rooney has been in the dugout at the Leasing.com Stadium since his appointment in the summer, after Robbie Savage’s departure to join Forest Green Rovers.

It’s the 35-year-old’s first job in management, after he ended his playing career with the Silkmen’s aforementioned NPL Premier Division success last term.

One To Watch

Experienced striker Danny Elliott has been a potent force for the Silkmen so far this term, with 11 league goals to his name so far this term.

Elliott found the net in nine of an 11-game stretch from the end of August to late November. a streak that included crucial strikes in wins over Darlington, Leamington, South Shields, and Peterborough Sports.

The 30-year-old has also been crucial during the FA Cup run, bagging a hat-trick in the First Round success over AFC Totton before scoring the opener in the Second Round against Slough Town.

Elliott featured for Chester for a two-year period between 2019-2021, making 36 league appearances and scoring on 10 occasions.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W7 D9 L6 | F32 A34 | Pos: 15th

Last three

• King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Bainbridge, K. Roberts
• South Shields (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Woods
• AFC Telford United (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: K. Roberts

Macclesfield | W8 D6 L6 | F27 A28 | Pos: 14th

Last three

• King’s Lynn Town (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: McLeod
• Bedford Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Johnson, Elliott
• Buxton (H) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ethan McLeod, who tragically passed away following the club’s game against Bedford Town. The thoughts of everyone at Chester FC are with everyone connected with Macclesfield FC at this incredibly sad time.

The match will kick-off at 19:45 at the Deva Stadium.