Blues Match Preview - Radcliffe v Chester

Chester FC are back in action tonight with a trip to Greater Manchester for a clash with Radcliffe.

A fixture that was rearranged after our progression in the Emirates FA Cup, Calum McIntyre’s men will look to build a recent five-match unbeaten league run.

Their most recent meeting with the Boro saw a 3-0 success in January, courtesy of a Tom Peers brace and a superb strike from Declan Weeks.

The Opposition

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side sit inside the top seven after a positive start to 25/26.

Following a run of eight wins in 11 outings, the Boro have failed to pick up three points from their last four, a run that has included defeats on the road at Peterborough Sports and Southport.

Saturday saw an entertaining encounter in Greater Manchester, as Dan Gardner and David Ball’s goals were cancelled out by strikes from Dylan Allen-Hadley and Matt Stenson for AFC Telford United.

The Gaffers

Ex-Chester bosses Johnson and Morley have made a major impact at Radcliffe since their appointments in the summer of 2023.

They earned promotion in their opening season at the Neuven with a stunning title-win in the NPL Premier Division, ending the campaign 10 points ahead of Macclesfield, who sat in second.

The pair first caught the eye in the dugout at Ramsbottom United, where they oversaw a rise up the non-league pyramid, before three promotions arrived at Salford City, notably owned by the ‘Class of 92’, who reached the National League during their tenure between 2015-18.

Over three years at the Deva Stadium followed, with a highest league finish of sixth in 2020, before defeat to Altrincham in the play-offs after the season was curtailed.

A short stint with Spennymoor Town was sandwiched in between their departure from CH1 and their switch to Radcliffe in 2023.

One to Watch

Lois Maynard has played a major role in the Boro’s positive start to the campaign, featuring on 14 occasions and scoring three times.

Despite operating in central midfield for most of his career, the 36-year-old has played in central defence for the majority of this campaign, and has helped his side to clean sheets against Hereford, Merthyr Town, and Bedford Town.

Maynard joined Radcliffe with huge experience, with over 200 National League appearances to his name, following stints at FC Halifax Town, Tranmere Rovers, Salford City, Stockport County, Solihull Moors, and Oldham Athletic.

He also has international experience in his repertoire, as Maynard has picked up 30 caps for St. Kitts and Nevis since his debut in 2015.

League Form Guide

Radcliffe | W9 D3 L6 | F37 A25 | Pos: 7th

Last three

• Peterborough Sports (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None
• Southport (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None
• AFC Telford United (H) | Scorers: Gardner, Ball

Chester FC | W5 D9 L4 | F25 A27 | Pos: 17

Last three

• Southport (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Zanzala, Woods
• Leamington (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry, P. Jones
• Hereford (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Woods

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off at the Neuven Stadium will be at 19:45. The postcode for the ground is M26 3PE.

TICKET DETAILS

The match is segregated and Chester FC supporters must select the ‘Away’ ticket option when purchasing.