Blues Match Preview: Spennymoor Town v Chester FC

Calum McIntyre and his side return to competitive action this afternoon, as their 2024/25 National League North campaign commences, with a trip to Spennymoor Town.

After a summer that included seven pre-season friendlies, a tour of the Isle of Man and eight new recruits through the door, the excitement amongst the coaching staff, players and fans is palpable.

In this exact fixture last September, the Seals were denied a hard-fought away victory in the closing stages of the game. Charlie Caton scored what looked to be the winner at Brewery Field, but Will Harris equalised for the Moors in the dying embers of the contest to ensure the spoils were shared.

There will be a number of familiar faces for Chester’s Ben Pollock, as he returns to the club he left to join the Blues only a few months ago.

THE OPPOSITION

Spennymoor came agonisingly close to making the playoffs last term, as only a solitary point ended up separating them with seventh placed Curzon Ashton.

The team hailing from County Durham went on an incredible run this calendar year as they won 13 out of their last 18 league games.

A lot of that good work can be attributed to their manager Graeme Lee as the turn of form coincided with his appointment in January 2024.

After consecutive ninth placed finishes in the National League North, Lee will be hoping that his side can push on into the coveted playoff spots this time round.

THE GAFFER

Graeme Lee committed his future to the North East club this summer, as the 46-year-old signed a new contract to keep him at the club for the duration of the 2024/25 season.

As a player, Lee helped both Hartlepool United and Sheffield Wednesday to promotions in the mid-2000s, whilst also being a part of the Doncaster Rovers squad that won the Football League trophy (currently known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy) in 2007.

After retiring in 2013, the former defender took a break from football before entering football management in 2019, with his first role being at the helm of Middlesbrough U23’s.

His fist senior management gig was at Hartlepool United, where despite guiding his team to the fourth round of the FA Cup, he was relieved off his duties with one game remaining of the 2021/22 season.

A spell at Marske United followed, before leaving that post to join his current employers, following in the footsteps of his father Tony Lee who also managed the Moors.

ONE TO WATCH

There’s a few new Spennymoor acquisitions for you to keep an eye on this Saturday.

Summer recruit Olly Dyson will be looking for an instant impact, as he joined the club on loan from National League outfit York City.

The 24-year-old is no stranger to this league after spending last campaign on loan at Scarborough Athletic, but after a spell plagued with injury, the winger will be hoping for much better fortune this time round.

Former Whitby duo Danny Rowe and Junior Mondal will also be looking for a seamless transition as they make the step up from the division below.

Rowe is a versatile midfielder, whilst Mondal, like Dyson, is a tricky winger who is able to operate on either flank.

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

MATCH DETAILS

The game kicks off at 3pm at The Brewery Field.

The address for the ground is Wood Vue, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6JN.

TICKETING ARRANGEMENTS

After further discussions between the two clubs, segregation is in place for Saturday’s game. Chester supporters should enter the ground via the turnstiles on Tees Crescent side of the stadium.

Supporters can choose to pay in advance online or simply head to the turnstiles which will accept cash or card payments. Turnstiles will open at 12.30pm.

CALUM’S PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Watch the video here...