Match Preview: Chester FC v South Shields

The Blues are back at home this Saturday for the visit of South Shields, as Calum McIntyre’s men look to extend their five-match unbeaten run.

Charlie Caton made it six goals in five games on Tuesday night, after his late penalty grabbed a hard-fought point for the Seals.

South Shields are also a side in good form, as an Aidan Rutledge strike on the stroke of half-time was enough for all three points against Buxton in midweek, making it four wins from five for the Mariners.

We will be looking to add to our fantastic recent home record on Saturday, following on from three wins on the bounce at the Deva Stadium over Radcliffe, Scarborough Athletic and Peterborough Sports.

The Opposition

It is the Mariners second campaign at this level, after they were crowned champions of the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2023 under the stewardship of former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips.

The campaign following promotion was a positive one for the club as they missed out on the play-offs by just one point, despite a strong finish with seven victories out of their final nine games.

This term, under the management of Elliot Dickman, the Mariners will be hoping for another play-off push, after their aforementioned positive start has left them in eighth, one point ahead of the Blues at this early stage.

The Gaffer

As previously mentioned, Elliot Dickman is the boss at the 1st Cloud Arena.

The former Sunderland and Newcastle United academy manager was handed a two-year deal as permanent manager over the summer, after the 45-year-old impressed in his interim role which he held for the second half of last season.

Dickman began his coaching career on Wearside, and he held various roles at the Stadium of Light with the Under 18s and the Under 23s, before making the move to Tyneside to become the U23s manager at St. James’ Park.

He nurtured some excellent young talent at both clubs, including Jordan Pickford, Josh Maja and Lewis Miley.

One to Watch

South Shields’ talisman is Paul Blackett, who picked up the accolade of the National League North top scorer last season, as he netted 30 times in 44 appearances, nine clear of the second best in the division.

The 26-year-old has started this campaign strongly too, with three goals and two assists from his first seven games, most recently with the opener in a tight win on the road at Scarborough Athletic.

Blackett has featured for a plethora of different clubs in the North-East, including Spennymoor Town, Blyth Spartans and Gateshead.

League Form Guide

Chester FC | W3 D2 L2 | F11 A9 | Pos: 10th

Last three

Scarborough Athletic (H) | W 3-2 | Scorers: Charlie Caton x2, Kurt Willoughby

Peterborough Sports (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Charlie Caton, Harrison Burke, Tom Peers

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

South Shields | W4 D0 L3 | F10 A10 | Pos: 8th

Last three

Scunthorpe United (H) | L 0-2 | Scorers: None

Scarborough Athletic (A) | W 1-2 | Scorers: Paul Blackett, Kyle Crossley

Buxton (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Aidan Rutledge

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

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

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

For information on Admission Prices, Entry into the Stadium, Payment Methods, Allocated Seating and much more – visit: 

chesterfc.com/matchdayinformation.

Tickets are available online:

CLICK HERE

Contactless card payments are available at the turnstile, with cash payments available at the Ticket Office.

The GWG Street Food Van will be open prior to the game, serving Burgers, Salt and Pepper Fries and of course – our Footy Scran favourite – loaded fries!

Ginger Cat Coffee are also on hand outside the ground providing their usual excellent selection of hot drinks and iced coffees!

The Cestrian Bar will be open from midday on Saturday, until kick off and then post match, full stocked with a full selection of alcohol and soft drinks as well as showing all of the action, including the England match, on the big screens.

Inside the ground, the Kiosks will be serving their wider variety of pies during the new campaign, including Cottage Pies!

Matchday Programmes will be available to purchase from the Club Shop and our volunteer sellers around the ground, costing £3.

If you are unable to get a programme on the day, they are available to buy online:

CLICK HERE