Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Worksop Town

Chester FC will look to follow up Tuesday’s home success over Macclesfield this afternoon as Worksop Town make the trip to the Deva Stadium.

Their trip to Nottinghamshire back in August ended in a tight defeat, as goals from Aaron Martin and Luke Waterfall saw the Tigers claim all three points at Sandy Lane.

The clash with Worksop will mark the start of a busy month for Calum McIntyre’s side, who face the prospect of seven games by the end of January, a stretch that will include four away outings.

The Opposition

A run of just two wins in 13 games between September and late November saw the Tigers slide down the Enterprise National League North table, following a positive start to the campaign that included a streak of three successive victories.

Form has picked up in recent weeks though, as wins over Leamington and Alfreton Town helped move the club four points clear of the drop zone.

The club returned to this level in the summer after an 18-year hiatus, courtesy of two promotions in three seasons.

First came the NPL Division One East title in 2023, before a victory over Guiseley earned success in the NPL Premier Division play-offs last term and secured a move back to the National League North.

The Gaffer

Long term boss Craig Parry has overseen a period of success at Sandy Lane since his appointment in May 2020.

His second full season, the 2022/23 campaign, saw the club lift the NPL Division One East title with a fantastic record of 99 points from 38 games.

After a season of consolidation in the NPL Premier Division, Parry earned promotion again, this time courtesy of the aforementioned play-off victory over Guiseley last term.

The 41-year-old has also brought Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup success to Sandy Lane on three occasions during his spell with the club.

One To Watch

Experienced striker Aaron Martin has been a force for the Tigers over recent weeks, playing a key role in their upturn in form.

The 34-year-old has scored on eight occasions so far this term, including two in his last two outings

The first of his recent pair was the solitary goal in a crucial Boxing Day success over Alfreton, before he also found the net in midweek during a 3-1 defeat at Buxton.

A major presence inside the 18-yard box, Martin has formed a fantastic partnership with fellow experienced forward Jordan Burrow, who has six goals to his name this campaign.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W8 D9 L6 | F34 A34 | Pos: 13th

Last three

• South Shields (H) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Woods
• AFC Telford United (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: K. Roberts
• Macclesfield (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Leak

Worksop Town | W7 D5 L12 | F27 A41 | Pos: 18th

Last three

• Southport (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Burrow
• Alfreton Town (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Martin
• Buxton (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Martin

MATCH DETAILS

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