Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Southport

Wednesday, 1 January 2025 14:46

Chester FC welcome Southport to the Deva Stadium this afternoon for their first match of 2025.

It was Boxing Day delight for the Seals as they prevailed over Marine in a 3-2 victory at Rossett Park.

Dylan Mottley-Henry recorded his first goal for the club with a towering header, while Iwan Murray and Harrison Burke also got themselves on the scoresheet.

Calum McIntyre’s players return to CH1 with the knowledge that another victory could see them enter the playoff places.

THE OPPOSITION

Southport also won on the 26th December, as they comfortably beat Warrington Town 2-0 in Merseyside.

That triumph ended a seven match winless run in the league, a spell that went back to the end of October.

During that period, Jim Bentley’s outfit picked up three draws and four defeats. Those results included losing to each of the top three away from home – Kidderminster Harriers, Curzon Ashton and King’s Lynn Town.

However, the Sandgrounders did overcome Peterborough Sports in the FA Trophy, which booked them a tantalising trip to Southend United next Saturday.

THE GAFFER

Jim Bentley has been at the helm at Southport since the summer of 2023.

In his playing days, Bentley was a central defender that made almost 300 appearances for Morecambe.

After retiring with the Shrimps in 2011, the now 48-year-old spent a further eight years in the dugout. During his tenure, he became the longest-serving manager in the top four tiers of English football.

The Englishman has since managed Rochdale and AFC Fylde before taking up the post at Southport.

Bentley has provided the Sandgrounders with some stability after they were flirting with relegation from the National League North.

ONE TO WATCH

Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick continues to be a nuisance for opposition defenders at the ripe age of 33.

The versatile winger has netted on eight occasions this league campaign, making him Southport’s top scorer.

Lloyd-McGoldrick returned to his boyhood club at the start of the calendar year, after stints which Rochdale, Gillingham and Tranmere Rovers.

Keenan Quansah, brother of Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, is also a notable figure in the Southport squad.

The imposing full-back has represented the club since 2022.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chester FC | W10 D6 L6 | F29 A24 | Pos: 11th

Last Three

Brackley Town (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton