News from Deva Stadium April 2026

29 April 2026
PLAY-OFF HEARTACHE FOR CHESTER
Chester’s season came to an end last night as Luke Duffy’s 98th minute goal saw the Blues lose 2-1 to Macclesfield in the National League North Eliminator Match.

It would prove to be a match too far for the walking wounded in yellow, as both Fin Shrimpton and Dylan Mottley-Henry limped off during the match. Shrimpton’s replacement Connor Woods did open the scoring for Chester with a fine solo goal on 36 minutes, Chester's only shot of the first half.

Moments after Mottley-Henry was replaced, the Silkmen, who enjoyed plenty of possession during the 90 minutes drew level twenty minutes after the break as makeshift forward Josh Kay swept home a right wing cross.

The winning goal came eight minutes into stoppage time as a quick short corner saw Luke Duffy swing the ball in that beat Bobby Jones under the bar at the near post

Pictures © Rick Matthews

26 April 2026
PLAY-OFF SCREENING
Wednesday’s match at Macclesfield will be streamed live on DAZN.

26 April 2026
PLAY-OFF BOUND
Saturday’s goalless draw with King’s Lynn Town at Deva Stadium saw Chester finish in the final play-off place seventh. They will now travel to fourth placed Macclesfield on Wednesday for the Eliminator Match. The draw also ensured National League North football for the Linnets next season.

Dylan Mottley-Henry headed narrowly wide and Fin Shrimpton saw a goal disallowed in the first half after referee Scott Henry had seen a foul in the build-up. Connell Rawlinson's side showed plenty of endeavour but were unable to break down the Linnet’s defence that saw goalkeeper, and former Blues player, Aaron Chapman have a good game.

• Final League table

Picture © Rick Matthews

19 April 2026
IN OUR OWN HANDS
The vital 2-1 victory at Oxford City on Saturday saw Chester move up to sixth with just one game to play, win the final match and a play-off place is confirmed. A draw maybe be enough if other results go our way on the day.

Picture © Rick Matthews

12 April 2026
AWARD FOR ROBERTS
Former player Kevin Roberts has been officially inducted into the football club’s Hall of Fame. He was presented with a copy of his award by vice chair Jim Green at the match against AFC Fylde on Saturday.

LATE DAVIES GOAL BRINGS THREE VITAL POINTS
Defender Tom Davies scored a sensational goal with just four minutes remaining to give Chester victory over top of the league side AFC Fylde. With the game heading for a hard earned draw, Declan Weeks sent in a cross from the right, the ball appeared to go past Davies but he hung out a leg to flick the ball, scorpion-kick-style, and the ball flew past Zac Jones in the Fylde goal.

7 April 2026
EASTER DOUBLE BOOSTS BLUES
Two victories over the Easter weekend have left Chester on the brink of a play-off place. Friday saw the Blues defeat fellow play-off chasers AFC Telford United 2-1 in an entertaining match, with all three goals coming from corners in the second half. Dylan Mottley-Henry opened the scoring, lashing the ball home after Phil Croker had headed down a Connor Woods corner.

The lead was short lived as the Bucks drew level after an inswinging corner was inadvertently glanced into his own net at the far post by an unfortunate Declan Weeks. With nine minutes remaining Chester sealed the three points as Phil Croker glanced a header in from a right wing corner.

Victory on Friday was followed by a fine 2-0 win at Cheshire neighbours and fellow promotion hopefuls Macclesfield, the Blues completing the double over the Silkmen. Dylan Mottley-Henry nipped in to open the scoring after 26 minutes and substitute Jack Bainbridge doubled the lead with a great header from a Declan Weeks cross moments after coming on with eight minutes remaining.