MATCH PREVIEW: BUXTON v CHESTER FC

Calum McIntyre’s men will look to get back to winning ways on Good Friday as they head to Derbyshire to face Buxton.

The Bucks currently sit 14th in the National League North, comfortably in mid-table after just missing out on the play-offs by one point last season.

The Seals will be out for revenge at The Silverlands following a 1-0 defeat to Buxton in January courtesy of an early Sam Osborne goal.

THE OPPOSITION:

As previously mentioned, an inconsistent campaign has left the Bucks in mid-table.

The side’s recent form has mirrored this, after a four match unbeaten run Craig Elliot’s men are without a win in three, picking up just one point in that time.

Last Saturday, Buxton were involved in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Southport, with the Sandgrounders equalising in the 90th minute despite ending the game with nine men after having Luke Burgess and Marcus Carver sent off in the final few minutes.

The Silverlands holds the record for being the highest football ground in England, sitting 310 metres above sea level.

THE GAFFER:

Craig Elliot has been in the hot seat at the club since December 2022 but has recently announced that he will be departing at the end of the season.

Elliott’s tenure has certainly been successful, leading the team up the table in their first season in the National League North and overseeing the club’s first Derbyshire Cup win in 11 years.

In his managerial career, the boss has previously spent time at Matlock Town, Boston United and Shaw Lane.

ONE TO WATCH:

Teenager Ben Andreucci has impressed since joining the club on loan from Bolton Wanderers.

The forward originally joined the Bucks in February on a one-month loan deal but it was later announced that would remain in Derbyshire until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old starred in the draw at Southport on Saturday, when he scored either side of half time to secure a point for Craig Elliot’s men.

Andreucci, who is a Scottish U19 international, joined Bolton in June 2023 after progressing through the Leeds United academy.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE:

Chester FC | W16 D14 L11 | F47 A30 | Pos: 10th 

Last three

Southport (H) | L 0-1 | Scorers: None

Tamworth (A) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

South Shields (H) | L 0-1 | Scorers: None

Buxton | W15 D10 L16 | F62 A54 | Pos: 14th

Last three

South Shields (H) | L 0-2 | Scorers: None

Blyth Spartans (A) | L 3-2 | Scorers: Luke Shiels, Connor Kirby

Southport (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Ben Andreucci x 2

Match preview by Tom Bird.

Feature photo by Millie Johnson.