Blues Match Preview: Marine v Chester FC

Chester FC head to Merseyside tonight for a clash with play-off challengers Marine.

The meeting between the two clubs earlier in the campaign ended level, as George Newell’s close-range finish in the first-half was cancelled out in second-half stoppage time by a James Jones header.

Calum McIntyre’s side did the league double over the Mariners last term, following a 3-2 away win on Boxing Day and a 2-1 win at the Deva in April.

The Opposition

Marine have enjoyed a positive first half to 25/26 and sit in contention for the top seven, currently two points behind Buxton who hold the final play-off spot.

The festive period saw mixed results for Bobby Grant’s side, as a Boxing Day victory over Southport was followed by two defeats on the spin, against Chorley and Buxton.

The Mariners have bounced back over the last seven days though, with an impressive 3-0 success against fifth-placed Radcliffe, and a 2-2 draw with league leaders South Shields.

The Gaffer

Former Chester boss Neil Young moved upstairs at the Marine Travel Arena over the summer, becoming the club’s Director of Football, as Bobby Grant called time on a distinguished playing career to take over the managerial reigns.

The 35-year-old made over 350 EFL appearances between 2006-21, for the likes of Accrington Stanley, Scunthorpe United, Rochdale, Blackpool, Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town, and Oldham Athletic.

Grant’s most memorable stint came with Fleetwood between 2015-19, a period in which he made over 140 appearances.

One to Watch

Centre-back Josh Wardle has been important in both boxes for the Mariners to date this campaign, with four goals to his name alongside his defensive exploits.

All four of the club captain’s goals have arrived in wins so far this term, namely in the successes over Merthyr Town, Bedford Town, Southport, and Radcliffe.

Wardle rejoined Marine following a short stint at Radcliffe in 2024, and is now in his fourth season at the Marine Travel Arena.

Prior to his initial move to the club in 2022, the 29-year-old featured for Lancaster City, Kendal Town, Skelmersdale United, and Witton Albion.

League Form Guide

Marine | W11 D5 L10 | F32 A38 | Pos: 11th

Last three

• Buxton (A) | L 4-0 | Scorers: None
• Radcliffe (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Fielding, Jolley, Wardle
• South Shields (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Anson, Potter

Chester FC | W9 D10 L9 | F39 A43 | Pos: 12th

Last three

• Chorley (H) | D 3-3 | Scorers: Urwin (OG), Weeks, Kelly-Evans
• Spennymoor Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: P. Jones, F. Roberts
• Peterborough Sports (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off at the Marine Travel Arena will be at 19:45.

The postcode for the ground is L23 3AS.