Tonight sees our management duo, and numerous of the Radcliffe players face off against their former side as Chester visit the Neuven Stadium.
This match will be available to stream live on DAZN for the very first time at M26, if you’re unable to attend the game, read more information on how you can watch here.
The Opposition
Tonight’s visitors currently sit top of the National League North after an unbeaten run stretching back to the middle of December, and have won four away matches on the bounce coming into this one.
The Seals recently lost their top goalscorer in Charlie Caton as he signed for League Two’s Accrington Stanley a fortnight ago, but they haven’t let the news disrupt them, winning all three of their fixtures since the 22-year-old’s departure after dispatching 14 goals this season.
Manager Calum McIntyre has been in charge at the Deva Stadium just under three years, guiding Chester to 3rd and 10th placed finishes in his two full seasons at the helm, so him, his team and their fans will be wanting to go one step further this campaign.
Ones To Watch
Following the departure of George Glendon, summer signing Connell Rawlinson was recently given the captain’s armband after a brilliant start to life in a Chester shirt. Formerly of Notts County, Port Vale and The New Saints, Rawlinson has been ever present at the back for Calum McIntyre’s side, and will be wanting to keep the Radcliffe forwards quiet tonight.
A goalscorer in our last fixture against Chester, Declan Weeks joined the Seals in 2020 under the management of Bernard and Jonno and has also had an impressive season so far, racking up 11 assists from the centre of the park.
Stat Pack
19th – League Position – 1st
24 – Games Played – 28
25 – Points – 52
6 – Wins – 15
7 – Draws – 7
11 – Losses – 6
31 – Goals For – 44
44 – Goals Against – 29
Hulme (8) – Top Goalscorer – Peers (9)*
*Recently departed Charlie Caton had 14 goals before moving to Accrington Stanley.
Last Time Out
20th August 2024 – Chester 2-0 Radcliffe
Off the back of a 3-0 defeat at Kidderminster, Radcliffe recorded their second away defeat of the week as Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men were beaten 2-0 on the road in their third game of the campaign.
Despite not scoring at the Deva Stadium since February at the time, Chester wasted no time in finding the back of the net. It took only a minute for the hosts to open the scoring after Nathan Woodthorpe delivered an inch-perfect cross straight to the feet of Declan Weeks, who smashed a half-volley past Mateusz Hewelt at the back post.
Chester looked comfortable in their lead and extended it on the half-hour mark, giving the Boro a hill to climb only a third of the way into the evening. Jordan Hunter’s lofted cross from the right was headed home by Charlie Caton, who rose highest to guide the ball into the back of the net.
Radcliffe could only rely on half chances in an attempt to gain a way back into the game and even after making all five substitutions, which included a double change at half-time, the home side continued to dominate and put pressure on the Boro goal.
Eventually, Chester would bow out as 2-0 victors leaving Radcliffe with very little to take away from the tie, being unable to overcome a disappointing opening 30 minutes.
Matchday Information
Date: 28/01/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Neuven Stadium
Adults – £15
Concessions – £10
U16 – Free
Tonight’s game will be segregated, Radcliffe fans are to enter via turnstiles A and B only, away supporters are to enter through turnstile C at the bottom end of the ground.
Tickets can be purchased online here.
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
Alfreton Town v Leamington
Brackley Town v Kidderminster Harriers
Darlington v Buxton
Farsley Celtic v Marine
Oxford City v Curzon Ashton
Peterborough Sports v Hereford
Rushall Olympic v King’s Lynn Town
Scarborough Athletic v Chorley
Scunthorpe United v Needham Market
Southport v Spennymoor Town