Blues Match Preview: Hereford v Chester

Chester FC kick-off the August Bank Holiday Weekend with a trip to Edgar Street to take on Hereford.

The Blues will look to continue to build on a 100% start to the campaign, winning the first four games of a league season for the first time since 2012.

It will be a quick turnaround following the clash as Morecambe travel to the Deva Community Stadium for a 15:00 kick-off on Monday afternoon.

The Opposition

Following a narrow escape from relegation last term, Hereford have started 2026/27 in brilliant form and enter the contest off the back of three successive wins.

An opening day defeat at Buxton was followed up by two home wins, a 1-0 success against Marine and a dominant 3-0 victory over Radcliffe.

Last time out saw an impressive success via another 3-0 scoreline, this time on the road at Worksop Town courtesy of goals through Harrison Iwunze, Luke Spokes and Danny Waldron.

The Gaffer

After his appointment in February, Aaron Downes dealt with a packed late season fixture schedule in fine fashion and led his team to survival on the final day.

National League North safety was ensured via a streak of just one defeat in seven games, after the Bulls had lost seven on the bounce previously.

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

He moved into coaching in 2018, becoming the Assistant Manager to Gary Johnson with Torquay United, 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 Town for just over a year before his switch to Edgar Street in February.

One to Watch

Notts County loanee Harrison Iwunze has started his Hereford career in fantastic fashion, netting in all of the Bulls’ victories so far this term.

A late winner against Marine arrived first, before the second goal against Radcliffe and a crucial opener at Worksop last Saturday.

Iwunze made three EFL Trophy appearances for his parent club last season, before a month-long loan spell with SL Premier Division Central outfit Kettering Town.

Match Details

The fixture at Edgar Street will kick-off at 15:00.