NEXT MATCH PREVIEW

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Date: Saturday 9th August 

Kick Off: 3pm

Stadium: Deva Stadium, Bumper's Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT

Sports get their Enterprise National League North campaign underway on Saturday afternoon (3pm) with a trip to Deva Stadium to face last season’s play-off final losers Chester FC. 

Chester FC, who finished fourth and lost 2-1 to Scunthorpe United in the National League North play-offs, endured a mixed pre-season with victories over Runcorn Linnets and Colwyn Bay and defeats to Bury, Carlisle United and Salford City. 

Sports had a strong pre-season including holding EFL League One Champions Doncaster Rovers to a 1-1 draw, defeating St Ives Town 6-1 and securing a 1-0 victory against National League outfit Boston United. 

Team News

Shaq Coulthirst suffered a knee injury in the final pre-season match against AFC Stamford last weekend and is set to have a short spell on the sidelines. Fellow striker Mark Jones is also doubtful for the season opener having sustained an injury in training midweek. However, there could be competitive debuts for several new signings including Aaron Powell, Luca Miller, Sam Straughan-Brown, Sam McLintock and Josh Cavallo.

The Seals have strengthened their squad from last season including the arrivals of Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, former Woking FC defender Dion Kelly-Evans and experienced striker Offrande Zanzala. 

Management Quotes

Joint-manager Michael Gash spoke ahead of the game: “We’re all looking forward to the trip to Chester. It’s probably one of the toughest opponents we could have asked for but something we will look forward to; to test ourselves against one of the favourites to win the league. The boys are ready to start the league; they have full belief that we can take something away from the game.”

Ticket News

Turbines will be accommodated in Block K and J in the West Stand. Tickets can be purchased online here. There is a £1 ticket increase on matchdays. 

Prices:

Adults: £21

Concessions: £18

18-21 year-olds: £14

Under 17s: £5

Under 12s: £1 

If you are visiting on Saturday, click here for additional information regarding directions and parking. 

Kit Colours 

Sports will play in their new home kit for the season opener which you can purchase online here.