Blues Match Preview: Farsley Celtic v Chester FC

Chester FC are back in action tomorrow, as they travel to Buxton for a clash with Farsley Celtic.

We will look to consolidate our position at the top of the National League North in Derbyshire, after an impressive 4-0 success over Rushall Olympic last time out, courtesy of a brace from Tom Peers, a classic header from Harrison Burke and a late strike from Kurt Willoughby.

The reverse fixture between the pair culminated in a goalless draw at the Deva Stadium in October, as both sides cancelled out the other in West Cheshire.

Last term, the trip to face Farsley resulted in a tight 2-1 victory for the Seals, as a sensational Ben Tollitt free-kick and a penalty from Elliot Whitehouse secured the points.

The Opposition

The Celt Army have endured a tumultuous campaign in which they haven’t played a single game at their home ground in West Yorkshire.

On the pitch, Farsley find themselves five points adrift of safety with 13 games to play, as a recent poor run of results has seen them slide down the table.

The club have lost five encounters in succession, and are without a win in 10 outings.

They have claimed just two points in that period with draws against a pair of relegation rivals, Warrington Town and Marine.

Chester are unbeaten in their 10 most recent contests with the Yorkshire-based side, with five wins and five draws.

The Gaffer

Former Premier League shot-stopper David Stockdale is the man in the dugout for Farsley, after his recent appointment on 12 February.

The 39-year-old replaced ex-Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn, whose short spell at the club ended after just 19 days in the job, a stint that yielded two points in four games.

Stockdale is therefore the fifth manager that has guided the club for a game this term, as Clayton Donaldson, Pav Singh and Clifton Robinson have all had a period in the dugout prior to the appointment of Redfearn.

The former goalkeeper brings an impressive playing career with him to Farsley, as Stockdale featured for a total of 16 clubs, most notably for Brighton & Hove Albion between 2014-2017.

One To Watch

Despite the club’s tough campaign, 18-year-old full-back Cole Hyde has developed well and is one of Celtic’s most consistent performers.

Hyde primarily operates from the right side of defence, and has contributed to goals at crucial times this season, with one in the win over Warrington Town in August and in the 1-1 draw with Marine in January.

The youngster had a spell in the Barnsley youth setup sandwiched in between two at Stoke City, before he made the switch to West Yorkshire in July 2023.

League Form Guide

Farsley Celtic | W7 D5 L21 | F29 A69 | Pos: 23rd

Last three

Needham Market (H) | L 6-1 | Scorers: Robbie Fox

Leamington (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None

Southport (H) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None

Chester FC | W18 D8 L7 | F53 A32 | Pos: 1st

South Shields (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None

Kidderminster Harriers (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke

Rushall Olympic (H) | W 4-0 | Scorers: Tom Peers x2, Harrison Burke, Kurt Willoughby.

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 3pm at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium on Saturday.

The postcode for the ground is SK17 6QH.