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1Mansfield40+4274
2Stockport39+3674
3Wrexham40+2271

4MK Dons41+968
5Barrow39+1467
6Crewe40+1266
7Crawley Town39+360

8Gillingham41-860
9AFC Wimbledon41+1058
10Walsall39+557
11Harrogate Town40-857
12Newport County40-156
13Morecambe40-955
14Tranmere41+251
15Notts County40+151
16Accrington Stanley40-551
17Bradford40-751
18Doncaster39-1150
19Salford41-1348
20Swindon40-447
21Grimsby39-1739
22Colchester38-1935

23Sutton Utd41-2634
24Forest Green40-2833

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Chester v Grimsby Preview

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 01/01/2008

WITH a record of won 1, drawn 1 and lost 1, scored 3 and conceded 3 over Christmas it is now time to see if Town will end the festive period in credit or in debit. Facing us are Chester City, sitting just below the play-offs and licking their wounds after conceding 8 goals in 2 games.

Home > 2007-2008 Season > Previews > Chester (a)


The Opposition

Overview

Former Rangers player Bobby Williamson (left) took charge from Mark Wright in May after Chester just managed to avoid relegation out of the football league in a troublesome season on the Welsh border. During pre-season Williamson started on a mass clear out with six senior players from the previous campaign heading for the exit including Jamie Hand now of Lincoln and Ashley Westwood now resident at Port Vale. In return Williamson bought in a wealth of experience including Mark Hughes (not that one obviously) of Stevenage, former Leeds, Sunderland and Ireland international Paul Butler (below) and once Man City midfield maestro Tony Grant. With such signings at the Deva Stadium (Deva meaning Chester in Roman) its hardly surprising Chester have found themselves giving a few teams a shock in the early run ins already.

The Team
Up until Christmas Chester were having an excellent season. Having spent most of the autumn in the top two Chester entered the Xmas period ensconced in a play-off position. Then consecutive heavy defeats away from home to Brentford and Morecambe were not the presents their supporters were hoping for. With next up Grimsby at home, where they have been strong recently, Chester will be looking for three points to get 2008 off to a flying start and restore a smile to their faces after not much festive cheer. Former Imp and Grimsby Town target Simon Yeo is currently playing up front for City (and scored the winner in the game at BP), as is veteran defender Paul Butler (left).

Key Player
Kevin Ellison. The former Hull City midfielder became an instant crowd favourite ever since his long awaited return to the Deva this summer, after previously playing for Chester before his move to the north bank. The left sided midfielder was also much sought after by them lot up the road before he decided to return to the Wirral instead of sticking around Humberside. In his previous spell at Chester the Liverpudlian created and scored almost at will giving him instant hero status among the Chester faithful. His flair and creativity are a real concern if he is given enough time on the ball and can lift a team with his individual performance not unlike former Mariner Alan Pouton.

Recent Form

TownChester
WLincoln(h)1-0
LAccrington(h)1-2
DStockport(a)1-1
WMansfield(h)1-0
WBrentford(a)1-0
Currently 09th in League Two.
LBrentford(a)0-3
LMorecambe(a)3-5
WBury(h)2-1
LPeterborough(h)1-2
WBarnet(h)3-0
Currently 17th in League Two.

Top Scorers

TownChester
Ciaran Toner4
Paul Bolland4
Gary Jones4
Ellison8
Murphy6
Partridge6

Team News

TownChester

  • Nick Fenton is available after suspension but will have to compete for a place with Rob Atkinson, who was outstanding in the 1-0 win over Lincoln.

  • Gary Jones is hoping to start the game after coming as a sub against Lincoln and scoring the winner.
  • John Murphy is doubtful after picking up an injury, while Tony Dinning and Tony Grant are ruled out with injuries.
  • Probable Teams

    TownChester
    G1Barnes
    D5Bennett
    D3Newey
    D24Atkinson
    M14Hird
    M8Bolland
    M11Boshell
    M4Hunt
    M17Hegarty
    F9North
    F19Jones
    G12Danby
    D2Marples
    D6Butler
    D19Linwood
    D22Vaughan
    M7Partridge
    M14Hughes
    M25Roberts
    M11Ellison
    F8Yeo
    F20Holroyd

    Subs

    TownChester
    13Montgomery
    6Fenton
    10Toner
    20Taylor
    23Butler
    1Ward
    21Rutherford
    TBANewton
    32McManus
    33Rule

    Head to Head

    It is over 30 years since Grimsby and Chester have drawn a game, with honours more or less even ever since.

    P 32 W 19 D 5 L12 F 52 A 42

    Chester Head-to-Head (12th on The Opposition Ladder)

    Last Meeting

    Chester 1 Grimsby 2 (Sat 22nd September 2007)

    Chester took an early lead, but Boshell soon pegged a goal back. Simon Yeo though pounced in the second half to score the winner.

     Report

    Prediction

    Chester 2-1 Grimsby

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