Chester FC (Away) Preview 7/12/13

This weekend, the Iron take to the road to face Skrill Premier new boys Chester FC, looking to build on Saturdays 3-0 win over Welling United in the FA trophy.

Chester, a club born following the liquidation of household name Chester City, were formed just three years ago in 2010. However, the only time that Braintree have met Chester or their predecessors was earlier this season at the Amlin stadium, when the Iron ran out 3-0 winners in a game that saw the visitors finish with just nine men.

Two Charlie Strutton goals in the space of 60seconds put Braintree in a dominant position very early on as they went two goals to the good within the opening six minutes.  Dean Wells added the third on 28 minutes to finish the scoring between the two sides before half time.

Chester will have wished the game had finished there, as their day darkened even further in the second half. The blues managed to limit the scoring to three as Braintree enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, with Chester having two men sent off in this period. Chester were forced to see out the final stages without any forward players as they made changes to implement a defensive strategy following two dismissals.

Although the home side start today amongst the relegation places, last month the Blues were beaten in just one of their five league games, which came against Nuneaton Town. Chester drew their fixtures against Aldershot, Hereford United and Luton Town, also adding a win against bottom of the table Hyde. Their month was completed last week, where they were knocked out of the FA trophy, losing 2-1 in a home draw against Barrow.

New loan signing John Rooney, younger brother of Manchester United star Wayne, will be hoping to make an appearance up front for the home side today. Rooney arrived last week on loan from league two side Bury, having also spent time at Macclesfield, Barnsley and Everton, as well as going over to America to play in the MLS.

Braintree arrive at the Deva Stadium having also won just one of their last five league games. A 1-0 win against Halifax was the only occasion that the Iron were able to take maximum points in November, although they added to the tally early on in the month in a goalless draw away to Tamworth. Losses against Luton Town, Alfreton Town and Aldershot completed the league fixtures, although a convincing 3-0 win over Welling United last week will give confidence to Alan Devonshire’s side. The win has set up an exciting second round tie next weekend, where Braintree play host to fellow Skrill Premier outfit Lincoln City.

Tickets will be available up until kick off at the Deva stadium for this weekend’s fixture. We wish all travelling fans a safe journey as they make their way to Cheshire in support of the Iron, who aim to return three points better off and push back up towards the playoff positions.