Blus Match Preview: Chester FC v Bedford Town

Chester FC are back at the Deva Stadium on Saturday for the visit of Bedford Town in the Enterprise National League North.

Tom Peers’ brace in midweek earned all three points on the road at the Impact Arena over Alfreton Town.

Iwan Murray crafted the first goal on Tuesday night during his 150th appearance for Chester FC as he was taken down inside the 18-yard-box to force a penalty.

Peers converted from 12-yards and then smashed into an empty home goal in the second-half to seal success.

The Opposition:

A title-winning campaign in the SL Premier Division Central last term earned Bedford Town a return to sixth-tier football for the first time since 2007.

A tough start beckoned for the Eagles as they sat on just six points from their opening nine games, but the club have picked up seven points from their last three outings to move up to 19th.

Their recent unbeaten streak is built on solidity in defence, with zero goals conceded over their last three, a run that included wins over Worksop Town and Oxford City, as well as a goalless draw away at Radcliffe.

The Gaffer:

Lee Bircham has had a very positive impact at The New Eyrie since his appointment in May 2023.

His move to the Eagles has coincided with back-to back promotions, firstly from the SL Division One Central in the 2023/24 campaign, before their SL Premier Division Central success last term.

The 49-year-old’s switch to Bedford came after a successful reign at Leighton Town, as he guided the club to the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title in 2022/23.

His other former clubs in management include Hemel Hempstead Town and Berkhamsted FC.

One To Watch:

New signing Tyrone Marsh has immediately introduced himself to the Bedford faithful this campaign and currently sits top of the NLN scoring charts.

The experienced forward became the first player to reach double digits in terms of goals in the division this season when he netted a crucial winner over Oxford City in midweek.

Marsh was also the first player to score against South Shields during 25/26, and has already bagged braces against Alfreton and AFC Telford United.

After the opening 12 outings, the 31-year-old has netted 10 of the Eagles’ total of 15 goals.

League Form Guide:

Chester FC | W3 D6 L3 | F16 A20 | Pos: 14th

Last three

• Merthyr Town (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Zanzala, Handley OG
• Kidderminster Harriers (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry
• Alfreton Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Peers x2.

Bedford Town | W3 D4 L5 | F15 A18 | Pos: 19th

Last three

• Worksop Town (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Marsh, Gyamfi
• Radcliffe (A) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None
• Oxford City (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Marsh

MATCH DETAILS:

Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium.