Blues Match Preview: Chester v Marine

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 16:32

Chester's three-game winning run in all competitions at the Deva Community Stadium will be tested tonight as they host in-form Marine under the lights in our second midweek fixture in a row.

Following a tough defeat on the road to South Shields last time out, Chester FC's busy schedule continues as back-to-back games down CH1 against Marine and Hednesford Town will mark their fourth fixture in 12 days.

Opposition

Following a challenging start to the season where they sat 21st after eight games, Marine have pulled themselves five places clear of the relegation zone with an impressive four-game unbeaten streak, taking 10 out of the last 12 available points in the NLN.

But the visitors’ resurgence isn’t limited to their league form, as they haven’t faced defeat in eight outings in all competitions. Most impressively, they secured 2-0 victories in the FA Cup against both Warrington Town and Hartlepool United to earn their place in the First Round Proper.

Although their six-game winning run came to an end last time out against promotion-pushing Oxford City, the Mariners continued on their upward trend as they came from behind to take a valuable point thanks to Ben Darby’s first-half equaliser.

Despite letting in the opener in Saturday’s draw, Bobby Grant’s side have become one of the most resilient outfits in the division this month, conceding just one goal across their last four games.

The last time we faced off against the Mariners on home soil, the spoils were shared after an injury-time leveller from James Jones cancelled out George Newell’s opener.

Gaffer

Bobby Grant enjoyed a strong first year at the helm, guiding Marine to a 12th-place finish in the National League North last campaign. This has helped to solidify their standing in the division, building on the 15th-place finish achieved under former Blues boss Neil Young the year prior.

Alongside a respectable mid-table finish, his first season in the dugout also featured a successful FA Trophy run, which culminated in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wealdstone at the semi-final stage.

Although this is Grant’s first full-time managerial role, it isn’t his first experience on the touchline as he was previously a player-manager for Radcliffe.

During his time there, the 36-year-old steered his side to silverware in the Manchester Premier Cup as they took down Wythenshawe Town in the final with Matthew Grivosti, Oliver Thornley, and Connor O’Brien netting to secure a 3-0 victory.

Grant is best known for his illustrious playing career in the EFL where he made over 350 appearances. His break came with Accrington Stanley, before he also turned out for the likes of Scunthorpe United, Rochdale, and Fleetwood Town.

The former forward quickly became a fan favourite in his last year and a half on the pitch. After his winter move to Marine, he scored 12 goals in 22 games to fire his side into step two in the second half of the 2023/24 season.

One to watch

Josh Wardle has been a key figure in the Mariners’ turn of form as the defender has been an ever-present figure in the backline, helping secure three consecutive clean sheets in their last four games.

Not only have his defensive performances had a huge impact on his side, but he’s also chipped in with goals. The club captain has netted twice so far this season, just one behind joint top scorers George Newell and Conor McAleny.

Wardle commenced his career in 2014 at Lancaster City, progressing through their development squad before taking an unusual step away from non-league football.

He played for The Liverpool John Moores University team while studying Sport & Exercise Science. He helped them finish top of their division in the British Universities and College Sport League with an unbeaten record in his first year.

At 29 years old, he’s already a well-established leader having captained Marine, The Liverpool John Moores University, and Witton Albion FC in his relatively short career to date.

The central defender has featured for multiple clubs across the North West during his career, spending five seasons across two separate spells at Rossett Park after earlier stints at Skelmersdale United and Kendal Town.

Match Preview by Harry Bennett.

Form guide

Marine | W5 D1 L6 | F14 A13 | Pos: 13th

Last three