Chester vs Skelmersdale Utd 20th November 2010
The tough winter period is a crucial time of year for any club. A good set of results can really boost a club going into the New Year, and Chester FC is no different, as they look to sustain the promotion push that currently sees us top of the league. With this in mind The Cestrian thought it would be a good idea to analyse the crucial fixtures coming up before the turn of the year.
Saturday 20th November: Skelmersdale United (home).
A vital fixture for both teams; a win will see Skelmersdale go to within 3 points of Chester with a game in hand. Chester would further extend their lead at the top of the table and deprive a rival of valuable points. With Skelmersdale having scored the most goals in the league (36) and Chester having let in the least (10) this game is a tough one to call. Skelmersdale are definitely in a scoring mood at the minute, having demolished Cammell Laird 8-0 last weekend! Their previous two fixtures before Cammell Laird were both score draws; 3-3 away at Durham and 2-2 at home to Salford City. This may lead the casual observer to conclude their defence might be their weak point, however they currently have the 6th best defence in the league. This will be a very tough game for Chester’s attackers and defenders and a high score may result. Cestrian prediction: a thrilling 4-3 win for Chester.
Saturday 4th December: Clitheroe (away).
At the time of writing Clitheroe sit in 7th place in the league on 27 points. This season they’ve gone to places such as Salford and Warrington and come away with a win, so they’ll certainly be no pushovers when Chester come to visit. Their home form is not the best however. They’ve only won twice at Shawbridge this season and that came way back on the 25th September. Cestrian prediction: a solid 2-1 win for Chester.
Saturday 18th December: Curzon Ashton (away).
Another title challenger, for the past two years Curzon Ashton have reached the play-offs only to lose out in the final to Newcastle Blue Star in 2009, and in the semi-final last year. This season they are again going strong and only sit in 4th place due to having 3 games in hand over Chester FC. If they win all the games in hand they will go top, but they have some tough games against Lancaster and Warrington coming up before the blues travel to the Tameside Stadium. However, if their last three league games are anything to go by, they should do well, as they’ve won 2-0 (vs Trafford and Leigh Genesis) and 3-0 (vs Clitheroe). Also, at home Curzon are a force to be reckoned with, they’ve only lost once their this season (vs Chorley 2-6!), and have even beaten Evo Stik Premier leaders FC Halifax in the FA Trophy! Cestrian prediction: a very tight 1-1 draw.
Monday 27th December: AFC Fylde
Our final game before the New Year, Fylde will prove no pushovers. They currently occupy 5th in the table having thrashed Radcliffe Borough 5-2 last Saturday. Their recent away form however, has been rather indifferent; drawing against Warrington (although there’s no shame in that!) and losing at Salford. They also have a few very tough games between now and their visit to the Exacta Stadium, in the form of Chorley and Lancaster City. Cestrian prediction: a 3-1 victory to Chester, seeing Fylde grab an early goal before Chester fight their way back into the game. Finishing off the year in style!
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