Radcliffe return to immediate action with a midweek trip to Chester, after a disappointing weekend in Kidderminster. A return to familiar surroundings for the Radcliffe management duo, who spent three-and-a-half years in the Chester dugout where they finished 9th, 6th and 3rd.

Tuesday will also be a return for five members of the squad, as Jude Oyibo, Jamie Morgan, Anthony Dudley, Matt Sargent and Brad Jackson have all spent time with the Cheshire outfit. Both sides go into the game without a win in their opening two, so will be looking to pick up their first three points of the campaign.

The Opposition

Chester are currently managed by Calum McIntyre, having taken over after Steve Watson departed at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. In his first season at the helm, the former academy head coach guided the Seals to third in table, but were defeated in the play-off semi-final by Brackley Town. Last season, Chester finished 10th on 69 points, six points outside of the play-offs.

Tuesday’s opponents concluded their summer business in late July, as they resigned Kurt Willoughby on a season-long loan from Oldham Athletic, just 13 months after the attacker left Chester for the National League side. In July, Chester also added Connell Rawlinson to the squad, after the defender left League Two side Notts County.

Chester have had a tough start to the season in their opening two fixtures, with a duo of defeats to begin the campaign. Spennymoor Town put three past the Seals on the opening day, before Brackley Town beat them 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts will be bolstered by the addition of Declan Weeks, as the midfielder is eligible for selection for the first time this season after the former Wolves youth player was required to serve an additional two match suspension for an incident against Hereford in February.

Stat Pack

18th – League Position – 24th
2 – Played – 2
1 – Points – 0
0 – Wins – 0
1 – Draws – 0
1 – Losses – 2
3 – Goals For – 0
6 – Goals Against – 4
Tom Walker, Josh Hancock, Anthony Dudley (1) – Top Scorer – N/A

Last Time Out

The two sides met in back-to-back years as two friendlies were played out in 2020 and 2021. Each team added a win to their pre-season preparation as Radcliffe won the first fixture 3-1, but lost the second 2-1, both at the Neuven Stadium.

In the first friendly, Radcliffe took a three-goal lead before Chester responded late in the game. Luca Navarro opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from just inside the area that sneaked its way into the bottom corner. The lead was doubled in the second half as a Matty Crothers free kick was turned into his own net by a Chester Trialist, before Rhian Hellawell made it three with a simple finish into an empty net. The visitors’ goal came from a curled Danny Elliot finish into the far corner, assisted by a driving run from our very own Brad Jackson.

In the second friendly in 2021, Chester had a two-goal cushion in the first 45 after Simon Grand headed the visitors in front, before Darren Stephenson added a second from inside the six-yard area. Radcliffe were able to find the back of the net in the second half however, as Bobby Grant chipped the opposition goalkeeper from 20 yards out.

Ones To Watch

Kurt Willoughby rejoined Chester on loan from Oldham Athletic in late July. In his previous spell with the Seals, the formidable striker scored 27 times in 52 appearances which landed him a spot in the team of the season, as well as a move to the Latics in the National League. The 28-year-old is yet to open his account for the current campaign, but will be one to watch on Tuesday night.

Declan Weeks is available to make his first league appearance on Tuesday night, the 28-year-old joined Chester in 2020 after a three-year spell at Kidderminster Harriers. With over 150 appearances and multiple Players’ Player of the Season awards, Weeks is able to control the midfield and dictate play, his return could be important for the side as they search for their first win of the season.

Matchday Information

Date: 20/08/24
Time: 7:45pm
Location: Deva Stadium 

Ticket Prices

Adult: £20
Concession: £17
18-21: £14
12-17: £5
U12: £3

Purchase your tickets online here.

Read our away information article here.

Boro supporters will be able to pay at the turnstile using a card or contactless payments, any cash purchases will need to be made at the ticket office. Chester strongly encourage spectators to buy online to reduce queues, you can also call their ticket office on 01244 371376 to buy tickets.

This fixture is segregated, therefore Radcliffe fans will be allocated a seated section of the West Stand at the Deva Stadium, stewards will be on hand to assist supporters wherever necessary.

Can’t Attend the Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 7:30pm.

Around the Grounds

Buxton v Darlington
Chorley v Scarborough Athletic
Curzon Ashton v Oxford City
Hereford v Peterborough Sports
Kidderminster Harriers v Brackley Town
King’s Lynn Town v Rushall Olympic
Leamington v Alfreton Town
Marine v Farsley Celtic
Needham Market v Scunthorpe United
South Shields v Warrington Town
Spennymoor Town v Southport