Match Preview: Chester FC v Farsley Celtic

National League North action returns to the Deva Stadium this weekend as Chester FC welcome Farsley Celtic to CH1.

On Tuesday night, the Seals progressed into the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after they beat seventh tier side Stockton Town 1-0 in a replay at the Deva.

A second-half Harrison Burke header ended up being the difference between the two sides, despite Calum McIntyre’s players being numerically disadvantaged for the majority of the game after Connell Rawlinson was sent off in the third minute.

That triumph means we will visit fellow National League North outfit Scarborough Athletic in the next round on Saturday 12th October.

THE OPPOSITION

Considering their circumstances, Farsley Celtic have made an admirable start to the campaign as they currently reside in eleventh position in the league table.

Due to the developments at their ground the Citadel, the Celt Army have only been able to play one of their nine league games at home this term as they install a new 4G pitch.

They narrowly avoided relegation last campaign, as a 2-0 home victory over Buxton on the final day was enough to see them survive the drop by a three point margin, with Blyth Spartans being the unfortunate club to go down.

Farsley also made it into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2007 as they knocked out Wythenshawe Town to book a date against the top scoring team in the prestigious competition’s history, Kettering Town.

THE GAFFER

Pav Singh has only been in the dugout for the West Yorkshire club for just over a month after he succeeded player-manager Clayton Donaldson in early September.

The 48-year-old returned to Farsley after previously holding the post of Director of Football at the club as well as appearing for them as a player.

During his youth career he played for Leeds United and Bradford City before stints at Harrogate Town and Albion Sports at senior level.

Despite his managerial career still being in it’s infancy, Singh has already achieved success as he guided Liversedge to the seventh tier of English football for the first time in their history after earning back-to back promotions.

ONE TO WATCH

Goalkeeper Tom Wooster was recently included in the Vanarama National League FA Cup Team of the Week after his clean sheet against Wythenshawe Town.

The 19-year-old stopper will be well acquainted with Chester goalkeeper Elyh Harrison, as the pair are both on loan from Manchester United.

Prior to his temporary spell in West Yorkshire, Wooster also had loans with Macclesfield and Ramsbottom.

The Red Devils acquired the highly-rated ‘keeper from Barnsley in 2021, where in his final campaign with the club he was named the Academy Player of the Season.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chester FC | W5 D2 L2 | F14 A10 GD: +4 | Pos: 2nd

Last Three

Kidderminster Harriers (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton

South Shields (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Tom Peers

Rushall Olympic (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Charlie Caton & Nathan Cameron (O.G)

Farsley Celtic | W4 D1 L4 | F13 A11 GD: +2 | Pos: 11th

Last Three

Southport (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Danny Greenfield

Needham Market (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Danny Greenfield

Leamington (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: N/A

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Saturday.