MATCH PREVIEW | 1874 Northwich vs Chester

    Tonight sees two fan-owned clubs face each other in a pre-season friendly – with the added incentive of competing for the Supporters Direct Shield.

    The Blues continue their preparations for the National League North season, which kicks off in just 11 days. Tonight marks the start of a run of six games in the space of nine days – as Bern and Jonno cast their eye over the first team squad, younger players and trialists.

    Saturday’s defeat at Colne was another afternoon of hard work for Chester, as the Managers trial new ideas ahead of the big kick off. Anthony Dudley scored from the spot, and looks sharp, having scored three goals in our last four friendly matches.

    1874 Northwich play in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division. They finished 10th in the league last season with 56 points from 38 matches.

    The match will take place at the new home of 1874 – The Offside Trust Stadium, Barnton, Northwich, CW8 4LJ. The game is being supported by the Football Supporters’ Association, and both teams are fan owned football clubs.

    1874 Northwich was formed on 15 November 2012, following a vote of Trust members to form its own supporter owned club and it began life in the North West Counties Division One in August 2013.  Promotion followed at the end of the first season, to the NWCFL Premier League where they remain.

    Chester Football Club was officially reborn on 21 May 2010, from the ashes of Chester City Football Club.  The Blues joined the Evo-Stik Division One North, and thanks to our supporters rallying in huge numbers, we went from strength to strength earning three successive promotions.

    Both clubs have the supporters, and their communities, at the very heart of everything they do. 1874 and Chester were kindly assisted by ‘Supporters Direct’ when they were setting up and both have continued to enjoy a strong relationship with the organisation since.  It is therefore an honour for both to have been invited to play for the SD Shield.

    Admission Prices

    £6 Adult

    £4 Concession

    £1 12-17 Years

    FREE for U12’s when accompanied by an adult.

    Parking Information

    The Football Supporters’ Association

    Last year members of Supporters Direct and the Football Supporters’ Federation met at a special conference to merge the organisations into what is now the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).

    The FSA continues to battle for supporter ownership, and back events such as the SD Shield, while also campaigning across a range of fields relating to ticket prices, fan legal rights, and more.

    “We hope you all have a great day and are lucky enough to see an entertaining game at this year’s SD Shield.”

    Tom Greatrex – VC of Football Supporters’ Association

    Match Details

    Kick off tonight at the Offside Trust Stadium is 7.45pm. The Sat Nav postcode is CW8 4LJ.

    Match updates will be available over on our OFFICIAL TWITTER ACCOUNT.