Blues Match Preview: Chorley v Chester FC

Two promotion challengers collide this weekend as Calum McIntyre and his players make the trip to Chorley.

The Seals have enjoyed a full week of preparation for tomorrow’s encounter following their 1-1 draw with Needham Market last Saturday.

Taelor O’Kane marked his home debut with the opening goal before Teddy Collis equalised for the Marketmen.

A point meant we remained top of the National League North table with Brackley’s win at Darlington drawing them level on points.

Back in November, Tom Peers and Harrison Burke fired the team to a 2-1 victory over Andy Preece’s side down CH1.

In recent history, the Blues have fared well against Chorley and haven’t lost in any of the last five meetings.

THE OPPOSITION

Chorley are aiming to finish in a playoff position for successive seasons following their fourth place finish last campaign.

After beating Curzon Ashton on penalties, the Magpies’ path to the National League was blocked in the semi-finals by Brackley Town.

This season, the Lancashire-based outfit have the best home record in the National League North. Only two teams have managed to overcome them at Victory Park, an indication that the Seals have a tough test in store tomorrow afternoon.

However, Chorley’s recent form has shown signs of vulnerability with only one win in their last four games.

Last weekend they were beaten 3-2 by Leamington, with former Chester striker Kole Hall grabbing one of the consolation goals.

THE GAFFER

Andy Preece has been affiliated with Chorley for almost eight years and has held variousroles at the club.

In 2022, he swapped the director of football role to succeed Jamie Vermiglio in the dugout and has overseen a successful period for the Magpies.

The 57-year-old has been coaching since 1999 when he was appointed joint player-manager at Bury.

Spells in the dugout at Worcester City, Northwich Victoria and Airbus UK Broughton ensued, even guiding the latter to Europa League qualification.

A stint at Southport preceded a period coaching in Vietnam before getting involved at Victory Park.

The reverse fixture at the Deva Stadium saw him reach a significant milestone. It was Preece’s 1000th game in management, although his afternoon ended on a sour note.

Some older readers will remember Preece as a menacing striker in the Football League, having played for Crystal Palace, Blackpool and of course, Bury.

ONE TO WATCH

Tomorrow’s opponents have a goalscoring defender of their own in 36-year-old Mark Ellis.

The veteran has been a formidable force at both ends of the pitch this campaign and has netted an astounding 11 goals this term.

Ellis is an English Football League nomad having represented the likes of Shrewsbury Town, Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra.

He joined the Magpies in 2023 after loan spells at York City and Torquay United from parent club Barrow.

At the end of January, the 6’2 defender embarked on a prolific streak in front of goal. His name was on the scoresheet for five consecutive matches, including a brace in a 4-1 win over Brackley.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Chorley FC | W17 D10 L8 | F55 A39 | Pos: 5th

Last Three

Warrington Town (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Mark Ellis

Farsley Celtic (H) | W 4-0 | Scorers: Tom Carr x3 & Dubem Eze

Leamington (A) | L 3-2 | Scorers: Kole Hall and Adam Blakeman

Chester FC | W19 D10 L7 | F55 A33 | Pos: 1st

Last Three

Farsley Celtic (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Tom Peers

Oxford City (A) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

Needham Market (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Taelor O’Kane

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 3pm at Victory Park on Saturday.

The postcode for the ground is PR7 3DU.