Blues Match Preview: Chester v Radcliffe

Chester FC are back at the Deva Stadium tomorrow afternoon for an Enterprise National League North contest with Radcliffe.

We host the Boro following a stretch of three successive away trips, against Spennymoor Town, Peterborough Sports, and Marine.

The reverse fixture was a successful one for Calum McIntyre’s side, as goals from Pat Jones, Tom Peers, and Connor Woods earned all three points at the Neuven Stadium back in early December.

The Opposition

Despite a recent slump in form, Radcliffe remain inside the top seven following an impressive first-half to their 25/26 campaign.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men enjoyed a run of just one defeat in 11 encounters from the end of August to late November, a streak that fired the club up the division after three losses from their opening four outings.

Their action to date in 2026 has seen four defeats from five though, with disappointing home defeats to Buxton and Scarborough Athletic arriving in the past seven days.

The Gaffers

Johnson and Morley, who managed the Seals for over three years between May 2018 and November 2021, have impressed with Radcliffe since their appointment in the summer of 2023.

The pair brought immediate success to the Neuven Stadium, lifting the NPL Premier Division title after their opening campaign in charge with a 10-point gap to second-placed Macclesfield.

Both built their reputation in management whilst in the dugout at Ramsbottom United between 2009 and 2015, before a switch to Salford City where they achieved three promotions in four seasons.

Following their stint at the Deva Stadium, the pair had a spell with fellow National League North outfit Spennymoor Town, from December 2021 and September 2022.

One to Watch

Rio Clegg has starred for the Boro since a permanent move from NPL Division One West side Trafford last summer.

The 29-year-old has 17 league goals to his name so far this campaign, including two hat-tricks, one in August against Oxford City and the other in September away at Merthyr Town.

The forward has produced important goals in victories on a number of occasions since his summer switch, notably in wins over Darlington, King’s Lynn Town, and Spennymoor Town.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W9 D10 L10 | F40 A45 | Pos: 12th

Last three

• Spennymoor Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: P. Jones, F. Roberts
• Peterborough Sports (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None
• Marine (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Woods

Radcliffe | W13 D4 L11 | F55 A48 | Pos: 6th

Last three

• Marine (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None
• Buxton (H) | L 5-1 | Scorers: Clegg
• Scarborough (A) | L 4-1 | Scorers: Afuye

MATCH DETAILS

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