Blues Match Preview: King’s Lynn Town v Chester FC

Chester FC's regular National League North campaign culminates with a trip to King’s Lynn Town on Saturday.

The Blues secured a fourth-placed finish after a home success to Marine on Easter Monday, thanks to a powerful header inside the opening 10 minutes from Harrison Burke and a delightful lob from Iwan Murray mid-way through the second period.

The win was our third on the spin, after a pair of important victories over Darlington and Southport.

Calum McIntyre’s men will return to CH1 on Wednesday for the first clash of our play-off campaign that could be against one of five different opponents, as they face a battle on the final day to secure a top seven spot.

The Opposition

The Linnets are one of the five who could travel to the Deva on Wednesday, with Adam Lakeland’s side sat three points inside the top seven ahead of the clash.

King’s Lynn come into the contest in fantastic form, after a run which has seen the club have pick up 16 points out of the last 18 available.

Good Friday saw an impressive home win over Scunthorpe United, as an early strike from Gold Omatayo proved enough to knock the Iron off top spot.

The reverse fixture down CH1 in mid-December was the start of a ten-game unbeaten streak for the Seals that lasted until early February, when a first-half finish from Charlie Caton was cancelled out by experienced striker Jonny Margetts.

The Gaffer

Adam Lakeland made the switch to Norfolk from Curzon Ashton in September 2023 and has made a positive impact in his first full year in charge.

Last season was an underwhelming campaign for the club, who finished 18th, just five points clear of the drop zone.

However, Lakeland has led the Linnets back up towards the upper echelons of the table and will look to secure a play-off spot on Saturday.

The 40-year-old began his coaching career with Blackburn Rovers women in 2006, before spells at Northwich Victoria and Farsley Celtic led him to Greater Manchester.

One To Watch

Goals have been shared across the frontline with both Gold Omotayo and Jonny Margetts on double figures in terms of goals so far this campaign.

Omotayo has played an important role in the club’s recent good form, with three goals in his last three; a brace in a 3-1 victory at Farsley Celtic and the sole goal in their aforementioned victory over Scunthorpe.

The 31-year-old started his career in Switzerland in the youth setup at FC Zurich, before he made the switch to English football in 2017 with Whitehawk.

The striker is currently in his second spell at The Walks, as a previous two-year stretch was broken up by stints at AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers.

League Form Guide

King’s Lynn Town | W23 D10 L12 | F52 A42 | Pos: 5th

Last three

Farsley Celtic (A) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Ross Crane, Gold Omatayo x2

Scunthorpe United (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Gold Omatayo

Needham Market (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Kian Ronan.

Chester FC | W24 D12 L9 | F70 A45 | Pos: 4th

Last three

Darlington (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Tom Peers, Connor Woods

Southport (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connor Woods

Marine (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke, Iwan Murray.

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

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

The postcode for the ground is PE30 5PB.

TICKETS

Segregation is in place. Chester FC supporters will be in the away terrace, which is uncovered with a capacity of  985. This is split between the Tennyson Road Stand and the North Terrace.

There is also a small seating area available for away fans (capacity 150) located in Section A of the Tennyson Road End stand.