Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Scunthorpe United

The Seals host Scunthorpe United this weekend, in what could prove to be a decisive encounter in the race for promotion.

Victory at the Deva Stadium will see the Blues go level on points with the league leaders, and it would be the perfect response after our FA Cup exit against Scarborough Athletic.

Calum McIntyre will have Nathan Woodthorpe and Connell Rawlinson back at his disposal after the pair served their respective suspensions last weekend.

A bumper crowd is expected down CH1 and Saturday’s entertainment promises to be a tantalising encounter.

THE OPPOSITION

Scunthorpe United have occupied top spot for the entirety of the 2024/25 National League North campaign.

However, after winning six of their first seven league outings, whilst only conceding one goal during that period, they haven’t tasted victory in their last three league games.

This decline in form has given the opportunity to the teams around them to close the gap and now only four points separate them from seventh placed King’s Lynn Town.

It will be a particularly stern test for our offensive players, as the Iron boast the best defensive record in the division with only five goals conceded in ten matches.

THE GAFFER

Andy Butler was appointed as first team manager at Glanford Park this summer following the dismissal of Jimmy Dean and his staff.

It was a fairytale role for the 40-year-old as he graduated through Scunthorpe’s academy and made his senior debut for the club in the third division back in 2003.

The former defender made over a century of appearances for Walsall, Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe, and his 174 matches for the latter was spread over three separate stints.

As part of his third period at the club, the Englishman worked as a Youth Development Phase Coach before progressing into a more involved role in the first team.

Butler developed his coaching skills through an unconventional route as he commenced his managerial career at Doncaster Rovers Belles, a club that currently compete in the fourth tier of women’s football in England.

His phenomenal start to life in the dugout this term earned him the National League North Manager of the Month Award for August.

ONE TO WATCH 

The Iron have accrued six clean sheets out of ten league matches and defender Brad Nicholson has been an integral part of that solidity.

The 26-year-old joined Scunthorpe on a free transfer from Boston United in the summer following the latter’s promotion into the National League.

Nicholson made 42 appearances for the Pilgrims last campaign, but opted to drop back down into the sixth tier to seek successive ascensions.

The centre-half, who is equally adept at left-back, has settled in quickly in North Lincolnshire and has become a mainstay in Andy Butler’s side.

He began his career at the oldest football club in the world, Sheffield FC, before having spells with Chesterfield and Guiseley.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chester FC | W5 D3 L2 | F14 A10 GD: +4 | Pos: 4th

Last Three

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

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

Farsley Celtic (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A

Scunthorpe United | W6 D3 L1 | F16 A5 GD: +11 | Pos: 1st

Last Three

Warrington Town (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Evan Gumbs (O.G)

Scarborough Athletic (A) | L 1-0 | Scorers: N/A

Oxford City (H) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Callum Roberts x2

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

MATCH DETAILS

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

RETRO DAY

It’s our annual Retro Day at the Deva Stadium this weekend! On the day of the game, we are encouraging supporters of both Chester FC and Scunthorpe United to wear their retro shirts to the game this weekend.

LIVE MUSIC

To mark the Retro Day occasion, we welcome DJ Jono Robertson to the game, playing 80’s and 90’s classics outside The Cestrian Bar from 1pm up until kick off.

BUCKET COLLECTION

During the 24/25 season, we will be welcoming a variety of local charities to the Deva to make collections around the ground prior to kick off and showcase the amazing work they do.

We start this Saturday, welcoming The Joshua Tree to CH1. Please give generously if you can!

The Joshua Tree provides tailored support programmes to enhance the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all immediate and extended family members affected by childhood cancers.

We work with the whole family—patients, parents, siblings, and grandparents—acknowledging that each family’s cancer journey is unique. Our services include counselling, play therapy, home support, educational engagement, complementary therapies, and family fun events.

By improving individual quality of life, we help families better navigate the challenges and trauma of childhood cancers.

For more information, visit: 

thejoshuatree.org.uk.