Blues Match Preview: Southport v Chester FC

Chester FC head to Haig Avenue this evening, looking to record back-to-back victories after Saturday’s success at Buxton.

Jack Bainbridge’s brace earned a second successive away league win for Chester, following a 2-0 win over Alfreton Town in October, as Tom Peers netted either side of half-time in Derbyshire.

Our most recent trip to Southport was decided by a diving header from Connor Woods, which was the sole goal in both meetings between the two clubs last season, after a goalless draw on New Year’s Day.

THE OPPOSITION

The Sandgrounders have bounced back from a tough start to 25/26 in positive fashion over the last seven days, with two wins on the spin that have moved Neil Danns’ side off the bottom of the Enterprise National League North.

Last Tuesday saw a 2-1 win on the road at Buxton, before another away win by the same scoreline at Hereford on Saturday, despite having to play with 10 men for over half the contest due to Callum Edwards’ red card.

Other wins this season have come at home to Bedford Town, and on the road at Oxford City, leaving the club sat in 21st with a current record of 15 points from 16 outings.

THE GAFFER:

Neils Danns stepped into his first permanent managerial role this summer, following a spell as interim player-manager at Macclesfield during the 2022/23 season.

Management followed a distinguished playing career that saw the 42-year-old feature in the top five tiers of English football, with five appearances in the Premier League, 294 in the Championship, 134 in League One, 47 in League Two, and five in the National League.

After a youth career at Blackburn Rovers, Danns’ most prominent spells came with Crystal Palace, between 2008-11, Bolton Wanderers, from 2014-16, and Bury, between 2016-19.

The former midfielder also featured at international level, earning 23 caps for Guyana, and scoring on 11 occasions.

ONE TO WATCH:

Sonny Hilton has featured in every contest for the Sandgrounders so far this term, playing a key role in Southport’s attacking system.

The 24-year-old has two goals to his name so far this campaign, both being crucial in the victories over Bedford Town and Buxton.

Hilton had a successful youth career with clubs such as Tranmere Rovers and Fulham, and featured on four occasions for England at U19 level.

Loans from the Cottagers to TPS, a club based in Finland, and Carlisle United followed, before a permanent switch to Bootle in 2023.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE:

Southport | W4 D3 L9 | F16 A25 | Pos: 21st

Last three

• King’s Lynn Town (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None
• Buxton (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Thibaut, Hilton
• Hereford (A) | W 2-1| Scorers: Lloyd-McGoldrick, Slew

Chester FC | W4 D7 L4 | F20 A24 | Pos: 16th

Last three

• Bedford Town (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Zanzala
• Marine (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: J. Jones
• Buxton (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Bainbridge x2

MATCH DETAILS:

Kick off at Haig Avenue will be at 19:45.

The postcode for the ground is PR8 6JZ.

The fixture will be segregated, with both seated and standing tickets available for Chester FC supporters.