Blues Match Preview: Marine v Chester FC

Chester FC will look to build on Saturday’s 1 - 1 draw at home to King’s Lynn Town with a short trip to Marine on Boxing Day.

Charlie Caton grabbed the opener against the Linnets but the 22-year-old’s close-range strike was cancelled out by Jonny Margetts late in the first-half.

The Blues’ squad has been bolstered ahead of the clash with the Mariners by the addition of Noah Wadsworth on loan from Hull City, a versatile full-back who can operate on either flank.

The 19-year-old picked up National League North experience while on loan with Farsley Celtic last season when Wadsworth was contracted to Bradford City, before a move to the Tigers in the summer.

THE OPPOSITION:

Marine have endured a tough start to life in the sixth tier after their play-off success in the NPL Premier Division last campaign. 

The Mariners sealed promotion with a memorable 2-1 victory away at Macclesfield, with the second goal courtesy of Chester midfielder Jack Bainbridge.

Neil Young’s side find themselves in 21st after their opening 22 encounters, three points from safety.

The club are without a win in their last five outings, with their most recent being a 2-0 success at the Marine Travel Arena thanks to goals from James Brown and Finlay Sinclair-Smith.

A trip to the North East proved fruitless on Saturday, as South Shields ran out 2-0 victors after a Paul Blackett brace.

A notable figure in Marine’s history is Roland Howard, who was recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest serving senior club football manager in the world, after he guided the Mariners for 33 years between 1972 and 2005.

THE GAFFER:

Former Chester boss Neil Young has been in the dugout at the Marine Travel Arena for over six years, a period in which he has overseen one relegation and two promotions.

Alongside the league success, Young also guided the Mariners to a famous FA Cup run which culminated in a memorable tie with Tottenham Hotspur in 2020.

The 49-year-old took charge of the Blues’ first season after reformation in 2010, before a successful three and half year stint which saw three consecutive promotions from the eighth tier to the fifth tier.

Young has also managed the likes of Colwyn Bay, Stockport County and Altrincham, after his playing career was cut short at the age of 24 through injury.

ONE TO WATCH:

James Brown was a major acquisition in the summer for Marine, as the club attempted to bolster their squad after promotion.

The Maltese international netted two crucial goals in late November, one in the aforementioned victory over Needham Market and another in a 2-2 draw with Spennymoor Town.

The 26-year-old started his career with Millwall, where he made one senior appearance, before he was sent on a plethora of loan spells with Carlisle United, Livingston, Lincoln City and St. Johnstone.

Brown joined the Saints on a permanent deal in 2021 before a switch to back to English football in the summer with Marine.

The full-back has picked up three caps for Malta since his first call-up in October 2021, with the latest being an seven minute substitute appearance against Italy in March 2023.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE:

Marine | W4 D6 L12 | F12 A28 | Pos: 21st

Last three

Alfreton Town (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: None

Scunthorpe United (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Leigh Whelan

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

Chester FC | W9 D6 L6 | F26 A22 | Pos: 12th

Last three

Warrington Town (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke

Brackley Town (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton 

King’s Lynn Town (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS:

Kick off is 3pm at The Marine Travel Arena on Boxing Day (Thursday).

The address for the ground is College Road, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 3AS.

The game is segregated and our away allocation of 315 is SOLD OUT.

Do not travel to the game if you do not have a ticket.