Blues Match Preview: South Shields v Chester FC

Chester FC make the long trip up to the North-East on Saturday for a tough test against high-flying South Shields.

It has been a mixed start to 25/26 for Calum McIntyre’s men, who picked up an important win on the opening day over Peterborough Sports at the Deva Stadium.

A 3-0 defeat to Chorley at Victory Park followed, before a 1-1 draw in midweek with Curzon Ashton down CH1.

The Opposition

The Mariners are the only side that can boast a 100% record in the National League North after a fantastic start to their campaign.

A tight opening day victory over Marine gave Ian Watson the perfect start in his new role, as Dan Ward earned all three points with a finish on the stroke of half-time.

A pair of tough away tests followed for South Shields and both were passed with flying colours, with a 2-0 win over Leamington on Saturday before a gritty victory via the same scoreline at Alfreton Town in midweek.

One of the division’s most potent frontlines, which includes talisman Paul Blackett, has been added to over the summer with striker Cedwyn Scott, who has netted during his opening two outings.

The Gaffer

As previously mentioned, Ian Watson stepped into the dugout at the 1st Cloud Arena over the summer, a position vacated by Elliott Dickman, who departed after an underwhelming 17th-placed finish last term.

Watson joins after a long-term association as a coach with manager Mike Williamson.

The 39-year-old was Williamson’s number two during their first venture into management at Gateshead, a club at which he held the role of assistant between December 2018 and October 2023.

Watson then moved to MK Dons for an 11-month stint, once again as the ex-Newcastle United defender’s assistant, before a disappointing five-month spell with Carlisle United, as the club attempted to battle for League Two survival last season.

This summer has seen the Englishman move into first-team management for the first time, and he made the perfect start, with three wins on the bounce and zero goals conceded to date.

One To Watch

The addition of Cedwyn Scott was one of the most eye-catching summer signings in the Enterprise National League North, as the forward dropped down a level to move to the Mariners.

Hexham-born, Scott began his career at Huddersfield Town before a move to Scottish football in 2018, joining Dundee FC as a 19-year-old.

Loan stints at Berwick Rangers and Forfar Athletic followed before a switch back to England to Dunston UTS in the eighth tier.

The 26-year-old earned a move to the EFL with Carlisle United in January 2021 but was sold to Gateshead just six months later.

His performances at the Gateshead International Stadium convinced Notts County to acquire Scott in the summer of 2022 before a move back to Brunton Park in January 2025.

Cedwyn has proved himself as a danger to defences in the Enterprise National League North with two goals in two games so far this campaign, both on the road in wins over Leamington and Alfreton Town.

League Form Guide

South Shields | W3 D0 L0 | Pos: 1st

Last three

Marine (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Dan Ward

Leamington (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Cedwyn Scott, Paul Blackett

Alfreton Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Cedwyn Scott, Paul Blackett

Chester FC | W1 D1 L1 | Pos: 13th

Last three

Peterborough Sports (H) | W 3-2 | Scorers: Fin Roberts, Dylan Mottley-Henry x2

Chorley (A) | L 3-0 | Scorers: None

Curzon Ashton | D 1-1 | Scorers: Connor Woods

Match Details

Kick off on Saturday is 15:00. The postcode for the ground is NE32 3UP.

The fixture will be segregated. Chester FC supporters have been allocated a section of standing tickets in the South West corner of the ground. Travelling fans who wish to be seated can do so in the Black Block of the Wolf Competitions Stand.

Entrance for away fans will be via gates 3 & 4 located on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Food kiosks inside the ground will accept payment by cash only.