Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v South Shields

Chester FC are back at the Deva Stadium this afternoon, after 25 days away, for the visit of high-flying South Shields!

Our most recent outing was a 2-0 success over King’s Lynn Town at The Walks, courtesy of first-half goals from Jack Bainbridge and Kevin Roberts.

The win in Norfolk followed a fantastic midweek victory at Radcliffe, as goals from Pat Jones, Tom Peers, and Connor Woods earned all three points at the Neuven Stadium.

THE OPPOSITION:

The Mariners sit just one point off top spot in the Enterprise National League North after a fantastic start to their campaign.

Ian Watson’s side remained unbeaten in the league until late October, when they tasted defeat away at Macclesfield.

Since our last outing at King’s Lynn, South Shields have been in action twice, firstly a 1-0 defeat in the FA Trophy, once again at the hands of the Silkmen, before a 2-1 success over Peterborough Sports in midweek at the 1st Cloud Arena.

THE GAFFER:

A first stint in football management is progressing smoothly for Ian Watson in the North-East, following various spells as an Assistant Manager to Mike Williamson, at Gateshead, MK Dons, and Carlisle United.

The 39-year-old enjoyed considerable success during his time under Williamson at Gateshead, where the pair earned the Vanarama National League North title in 2022, before guiding the Heed to the FA Trophy Final just a year later.

They then oversaw MK Dons’ rise from 16th in League Two, early in the 23/24 campaign, to a play-off berth by the end of the season.

A spell in Cumbria followed before a second spell in Milton Keynes, which came to an end this summer as Watson moved into the dugout at the 1st Cloud Arena.

ONE TO WATCH:

A prominent summer signing from Carlisle United, Cedwyn Scott has made a big impact with the Mariners and has formed a dangerous partnership with talisman Paul Blackett.

Scott has 11 league goals to his name already this term, playing a major role in the club’s fast start of nine wins from their opening 11 encounters.

Braces have been secured in wins over Radcliffe and AFC Fylde, as well as crucial goals against the likes of Bedford Town, Scarborough Athletic, and King’s Lynn Town.

The 27-year-old started his career at Huddersfield Town before a switch to Scotland saw him feature for Dundee FC, Berwick Rangers, and Forfar Athletic.

Since his move back to English football, the forward has turned out for Dunston UTS, Hebburn Town, Gateshead, and Notts County, as well as his aforementioned stint at Brunton Park.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE:

Chester FC | W7 D9 L4 | Pos: 10th

Last three

• Hereford (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Woods
• Radcliffe (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: P. Jones, Peers, Woods
• King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Bainbridge, K. Roberts

South Shields | W14 D4 L3 | F43 A17 | Pos: 2nd

Last three

• Worksop Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Gordon, Jenkins x2
• Kidderminster Harriers (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Morse
• Peterborough Sports (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Blackett, Bainbridge

MATCH DETAILS:

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