Eliminator Match Preview: Chester FC v Buxton

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 20:03

A huge clash is in store on Wednesday night at the Deva Stadium as Chester FC face Buxton in the Play-off Eliminator.

On Saturday, Calum McIntyre and his players concluded their 2024/25 National League North campaign with an accomplished 3-0 victory away to fellow play-off side King’s Lynn Town.

Academy prospects Alex Brown and Henry Briscoe made their debuts for the club and contributed to a clean sheet in Norfolk.

Key figures such as Connell Rawlinson and Jack Bainbridge also got some important minutes in the tank following a period out injured.

The three points on the road resulted in our final points tally standing at 87 – the most the club have accumulated in 12 years.

The winner of this match will travel to Kidderminster Harriers for the semi-final on Sunday.

THE OPPOSITION

Buxton sneaked into the last play-off spot on the final day courtesy of 2-0 win against a 10-man, and already relegated, Warrington Town outfit.

Former Chester player Kieran Burton broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Johnny Johnston confirmed the victory in the closing stages.

Curzon Ashton’s draw with Leamington meant the Bucks displaced their fellow contender by way of a superior goal difference.

After finishing 14th last term and 13 points adrift of the top seven, Buxton’s clever recruitment has seen them significantly improve, which has helped bridge the gap between them and top teams in the division.

THE GAFFER

In his first full season in charge, John McGrath has successfully guided the club to the play-offs. The Irishman had previously established himself as an astute tactician during an eight-year spell with Derbyshire neighbours Mickleover Sports.

Last season, McGrath led his former employers to third in the Southern Premier Division Central and only four points away from league winners Needham Market. However, the club were handed a 12-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player and ended up falling short in the play-offs.

As a player, McGrath made over 200 appearances for Burton Albion and eventually captained the Brewers. In 2008, he was named the club’s Player of the Year before being heavily involved in their inaugural promotion into the Football League the following season.

In February, the 45-year-old signed a new contract at the club, which extended his stay at the Silverlands Stadium to the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

ONE TO WATCH

Buxton skipper Kieran Burton has played an integral part in his team’s journey to the play-offs. The versatile defender displayed his potential down CH1 in the second half of last season and has flourished this campaign.

Burton was included in the most recent Vanarama National League Team of the Week for his significant contribution on Saturday. His opener against Warrington Town was his sixth goal of the season, while he also helped his side keep their third clean sheet in four games.

The Englishman’s consistent performances this season resulted in him being named the Supporters’ Player of the Year.

Despite only being 21-years-old, Burton has vast experience at this level. He has already represented the likes of Scarborough Athletic, Darlington Hartlepool and of course, Chester.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chester FC | W25 D12 L9 | F73 A45 | Final Pos: 4th

Last Three

Southport (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Woods

Marine (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke, Iwan Murray

King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Kurt Willoughby, Jack Bainbridge and Dylan Mottley-Henry

Buxton FC | W24 D5 L17 | F76 A52 | Final Pos: 7th

Last Three

Chorley (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Kirby

Alfreton Town (A) | L 3-2 | Scorers: Luke Brennan & Cian Coleman

Warrington Town (H) | W 2-0 | Scores: Kieran Burton & Johnny Johnston

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.