Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Merthyr Town

Chester FC return to league action on Saturday for a meeting with Merthyr Town at the Deva Stadium.

Our most recent outing in the Enterprise National League North ended in a 1-1 draw on the road at Darlington, as Pat Jones’ low finish was cancelled out by Josh Scott in second-half stoppage time.

Last Saturday saw a dominant success down CH1 for the Seals as Curzon Ashton were dealt a 5-1 defeat in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

The Opposition

Merthyr have made a positive start to life in the sixth tier after a title winning campaign in the Southern League Premier Division last term.

Five wins from their opening nine encounters have propelled the club to within touching distance of the top seven, outside the play-offs only via goal difference.

The Martyrs have impressed on their travels so far, with three wins out of four away fixtures.

Comfortable 3-0 successes at Peterborough Sports and Curzon Ashton in August were backed up by an eye-catching 3-1 win over Macclesfield at the start of September.

The Gaffer

Paul Michael has had a very positive impact at Penydarren Park since his arrival in April 2022.

Every year during his tenure has seen an improvement to date, from mid-table to play-off challengers and then title-winners in the seventh tier, before this season’s impressive start in the National League North.

Prior to his involvement at Merthyr, the 39-year-old had experience in management at Cinderford Town for four seasons and then Yate Town for two campaigns.

Barring a brief spell at Clevedon Town, Michael’s playing career was centralised in the Welsh football pyramid, with stints at Risca United, Taffs Well and Haverfordwest County.

One To Watch

Ricardo Rees has been an absolutely crucial cog in Merthyr’s upward trajectory in recent years after making the switch from Yate Town to South Wales alongside Michael in 2022.

The strike has gained heroic status at Penydarren Park after two unbelievable goalscoring seasons on the bounce, scoring on 38 occasions during 23/24 and on 33 during 24/25.

Rees’ potency has continued into the sixth tier, with seven goals from his first nine outings.

The 25-year-old has bagged braces on three separate occasions this campaign, in wins over Peterborough Sports, Curzon Ashton and Worksop Town.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W2 D4 L3 | F11 A17 | Pos: 11th

Last three

• AFC Fylde (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: P. Jones x2
• Scarborough Athletic (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
• Darlington (A) | D 1-1 | P. Jones

Merhtyr Town | W5 D0 L4 | F15 A16 | Pos: 8th

Last three

• Macclesfield (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Handley x3
• Worksop Town (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Rees x2
• Radcliffe (H) | L 5-0 | Scorers: None

MATCH DETAILS

Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium.