Blues Match Preview: Macclesfield v Chester

Chester FC make the trip to Macclesfield on Easter Monday as the Enterprise National League North run-in intensifies.

The reverse fixture ended in success for Chester in between Christmas and New Year, courtesy of goals either side of half-time from Dylan Mottley-Henry and Tom Leak.

The Opposition

The Silkmen have progressed up the division over recent months and have solidified a position inside the play-off spots, with John Rooney’s side currently in third, nine points inside the top seven.

Macc will be buoyed by recent form heading into the clash thanks to six wins from their last seven, and a perfect record in their last four outings.

Good Friday saw derby day victory on the road at Buxton, courtesy of a brace from captain Paul Dawson, alongside strikes from Elliot Osborne and Luke Duffy.

The Gaffer

John Rooney has been in the dugout at the Leasing.com Stadium since last summer, following former boss Robbie Savage’s departure to join Forest Green Rovers.

It’s Rooney first job in management as he called time on his playing career with the Silkmen following promotion to this level last season.

One to Watch

Macclesfield’s aforementioned captain Paul Dawson has been hugely influential all campaign.

With 13 goals to his name, the 27-year-old, who joined from Bamber Bridge in 2023, has been a major reason for the club’s upturn in form following the start of 2026.

Their previous two encounters have highlighted Dawson’s importance, with crucial braces in wins by a two-goal scoreline on the road at both Hereford and Buxton.

League Form Guide

Macclesfield | W22 D7 L11 | F76 A57 | Pos: 3rd

Last three

• Alfreton Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Buckley-Ricketts, Gale
• Hereford (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Dawson x2
• Buxton (A) | W 4-2 | Scorers: Dawson x2, Osborne, Duffy

Chester FC | W17 D12 L13 | F61 A63 | Pos: 9th

Last three

• Southport (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
• Curzon Ashton (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: S. Burgess
• AFC Telford United (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, Croker

MATCH DETAILS

Kick-off at the Leasing.com Stadium will be 15:00.

The postcode for the ground is SK11 7SP.