Blues Match Preview: Hereford v Chester FC

Chester FC travel to Sixways Stadium in Worcester this evening for a meeting with Hereford.

Due to pitch issues at the Bulls’ ground, Edgar Street, the clash has been moved to the 12,067 capacity stadium, home of Worcester Warriors RFC, and Worcester City FC.

The reverse fixture ended in a share of the spoils as a dramatic equaliser from Connor Woods cancelled out Aaron Skinner’s second-half strike.

The Opposition

Hereford have endured a tough campaign to date and find themselves eight points from safety, but with six games in hand over multple sides above them due to a number of postponements.

League action in 2026 to date has yielded four points from six outings, courtesy of a goalless draw on the road at King’s Lynn Town, and a 1-0 win over Darlington at Sixways last Tuesday.

The club were forced to play Saturday’s contest, which ended in a 2-1 success for Scarborough Athletic, at the Valley Stadium, home of SL Premier Division Central outfit Redditch United.

The Gaffer

Newly appointed boss Adam Downes has a win and a defeat on his Bulls record to date, following the sacking of Paul Caddis in the aftermath of a 3-0 loss to AFC Telford United on Tuesday 10th February.

Downes had an extensive playing career centred in the EFL, including stints at Chesterfield, Bristol Rovers, Torquay United and Cheltenham Town.

He moved into coaching in 2018, becoming the Assistant Manager at Torquay to Gary Johnson, a role which he held for over five years before a short spell as Caretaker boss in 2024.

Australian born, the 40-year-old then moved into the Assistant role at Cheltenham for 15 months between June 2024 and September 2025, followed by his switch to Hereford earlier this month.

One to Watch

New signing Freddy Wilcox has made an instant impact since his arrival on loan from Cheltenham seven days, starring in both of Downes’ fixtures as boss to date.

The versatile defender, who mainly operates on the left-hand side, has featured on 21 occasions for the Robins in all competitions, including six times in League Two this season.

The 20-year-old’s experience was bolstered during a loan stint at Oxford City last term, in which he made 12 appearances and played a big role in the club’s push towards National League North safety.

League Form Guide

Hereford | W6 D7 L14 | F30 A48 | Pos: 23rd

Last three

• Southport (A) | L 5-1 | Scorers: Munday
• Darlington (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Skinner
• Scarborough Athletic (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Hudson

Chester FC | W12 D11 L11 | F48 A51 | Pos: 11th

Last three

• Alfreton Town (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Shrimpton, Woods
• Buxton (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
• Leamington (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: P. Jones, T. Davies

MATCH DETAILS

Kick-off at Sixways Stadium will be at 19:45.