MATCH PREVIEW: CHORLEY v CHESTER FC

After four home games on the bounce, Calum McIntyre’s men head to Chorley, on Tuesday night, looking to build on Saturday’s win over Bishop’s Stortford.

THE OPPOSITION

Chorley narrowly missed out on the top seven last season following a cruel final day defeat at Gloucester City.

Andy Preece’s team are once again challenging this term and sit just two points behind the Seals with three games in hand.

After several postponements this will be Chorley’s first home game since the 23rd December when they emphatically beat playoff rivals Curzon Ashton, since then the Magpies have played just two league fixtures, winning one and losing the other.

THE GAFFER

After previously acting as the Director of Football at Victory Park, Andy Preece was appointed as First Team Manager following the departure of Jamie Vermiglio in May 2022.

As mentioned previously, in his first campaign as manager he guided the club to a 12th place finish, just two points away from the playoff spots.

Preece had an impressive playing career in the football league, featuring for Stockport County, Blackpool and Bury in the 1990s. He also enjoyed one season in the Premier League with Crystal Palace in the 94/95 campaign.

His most recent accolade came last month, when he picked up the Vanarama National League North manager of the month award for December.

ONE TO WATCH

Justin Johnson has been on fire for the Magpies this season, bagging 10 goals from wide areas.

The Dutch winger joined from Stalybridge Celtic after netting 12 times in the Northern Premier League during the 21/22 season.

Johnson had a very impressive youth career, starting out at Sparta Rotterdam before moving to Manchester United’s academy.

He signed his first professional contract with Dundee United in 2015 before a spell in Cyprus with Othellos Athienou and Akritas Chlorakas.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chorley | W12 D7 L6 | F44 A28 | Pos 7th

Last three

Curzon Ashton (H) | W 4-0 | Scorers: Jordan Richards (OG), Marco Rus, Justin Johnson, Jack Hazlehurst

Spennymoor Town (A) | W 0-2 | Scorers: Mike Calveley, Carlton Ubaezuonu

Alfreton Town (A) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None

Chester FC | W13 D6 L9 | F34 A21 | Pos 4th

Last three

Gloucester City (H) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Iwan Murray, Tom Peers, George Glendon

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

Bishop’s Stortford (H) | W 2-0 | Scorers: George Glendon, Christian Norton

Preview by Tom Bird.