Blues Match Preview: Chorley v Chester FC

Chester FC's new era begins today with a trip to Chorley this afternoon to kick off the Enterprise National League North season.

THE OPPOSITION

Chorley enter their seventh consecutive sixth tier campaign looking to bounce back towards the top seven after a 15th-placed finish last term.

The Magpies started 2025/26 in fine fashion, winning four of their opening five encounters, before a slump in mid-season form saw them drop into the bottom half.

Andy Preece has added a number of impressive signings to his squad since the end of last term, including the return of Anjola Popoola on a loan deal from Accrington Stanley.

The Lancashire-based outfit will be without long-serving goalkeeper Matt Urwin for 2026/27, after the experienced shot-stopper announced his retirement to take up a full-time coaching position at Blackburn Rovers

The Gaffer

Andy Preece is looking ahead to his fifth campaign in charge of the Magpies, after a four year stint as Assistant between 2018-22.

The experienced boss’ first spell in management arrived in 1999 with Bury, before roles at a plethora of clubs including Worcester City, Northwich Victoria., Airbus UK, and Southport.

Preece also had a distinguished playing career, featuring in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, alongside spells at Stockport County, Bury, Carlisle United, and Blackpool.

One to Watch

A new face at Victory Park for the 2026/27 campaign is Steven Bala, who joined on a season-long loan from Danish club Akademisk Boldklub last week.

The exciting winger featured at U18 level for Barnet before playing both U18 and U21 football at Championship side QPR.

The 22-year-old also has international experience, featuring for Albania at U21 level.

MATCH DETAILS

Saturday’s game will kick-off at 3.00 pm.