Blues Match Preview: Leamington v Chester FC

Chester FC travel to Warwickshire today for a contest with Leamington at the Your Co-op Community Stadium.

The reverse fixture ended in comfortable fashion for the Blues back in November, as early goals from Dylan Mottley-Henry and Pat Jones secured all three points.

Our last visit to Leamington was also a successful one, after four first-half goals in Warwickshire, courtesy of Charlie Caton, Tom Peers, Kurt Willoughby, and Harrison Burke, saw Chester cruise to victory.

The Opposition

The Brakes have endured a tough campaign to date, with the club sat bottom of the Enterprise National League North having picked up 19 points from their opening 30 encounters.

After signs of promise towards the beginning of 2026, thanks to a win over Curzon Ashton and draws against Chorley and Oxford City, the side have lost on their three most recent outings, at the hands of Macclesfield, Marine, and Spennymoor Town.

Saturday’s clash comes in the middle of a stretch of three home games on the spin for Leamington, with the visit of Merthyr Town up next on Tuesday 24th February.

The Gaffer

Interim boss Chris Knott took the reins at Your Co-op Community Stadium following the departure of long-serving manager Paul Holleran in December, who had previously guided the club for over 16 years.

Prior to his appointment in January, Knott’s focus lied mainly with the club’s academy setup following his appointment as Head of Football Development in 2022.

The former goalkeeper was forced into retirement at the age of 26 due to injury issues and has since worked in management and analytical roles at Knowle FC, Lowestoft Town, and Heather St. Johns, prior to his switch to Leamington.

One to Watch

Attacking midfielder Ewan Williams has been a bright spark during a tough campaign for the club to date.

The 22-year-old has four goals to his name, including a brace that proved crucial in a 2-1 success over Radcliffe back in August, as well as a late winner that secured all three points against Southport in September.

He also got on the scoresheet during a 2-2 draw with Bedford Town on Boxing Day, a result that ended a seven-match losing run in the league throughout November and early December.

Williams has been vital to the Brakes since his switch from Coleshill Town in 2023, featuring on 45 occasions last term as the club secured survival in comfortable fashion on their return to this level.

League Form Guide

Leamington | W4 D7 L19 | F22 A53 | Pos: 24th

Last three

• Macclesfield (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Brogan
• Marine (A) | L 5-0 | Scorers: None
• Spennymoor Town (H) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None

Chester FC | W11 D11 L11 | F46 A51 | Pos: 11th

Last three

• Bedford Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Croker, Shrimpton
• Alfreton Town (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Shrimpton, Woods
• Buxton (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry

MATCH DETAILS

Kick-off at Your Co-op Community Stadium will be at 15:00.