AFC Telford v Chester: Air of unpredictability about the Blues

On one hand, the visiting Blues have Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, who led Salford City to the National League North title last season, in charge so they should be strong, writes Joe Edwards.

But on the other, their last outing was an embarrassing 8-1 defeat at Blyth Spartans, after which Johnson told a few players to ‘rip up your contracts and leave the football club’.

Coincidently, Chester have not played since that horror show nearly a fortnight ago – because of torrential rain in the area leaving their ground unfit for purpose.

Four home games have been postponed and, you would like to think, they will come to the New Bucks Head feeling fresh – eager to right the many wrongs of their last away display. And if Johnson’s comments are anything to go by, their starting line-up could well be a bit different.

Dave Powell, from the Chester Chronicle, has witnessed the chaos up close.

Offering a detailed insight into it all, he said: “It’s never dull at Chester.

"In the space of two weeks all the positivity that had been build up over the summer following last season’s disaster has diminished after an 8-1 humbling at Blyth Spartans was followed by four postponements of home games owing to water damage at the Swansway Chester Stadium.

“Sometimes you think it could only happen to the Blues.

“But for many Chester fans this weekend almost feels like starting the season again. Two weeks without a game since the Blyth thrashing has meant that there has been plenty of time to stew on that result.

“Managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have vowed there will be no repeat of the wretched performance at Blyth, and you’d think their track record and that of their squad would suggest that it was just a freak result.

“Chester will likely bring a strong following and they will be keen to see a reaction – and I expect one.

“The side looked solid in the opening two games and the result in the North East came as a shock to everyone, not least the managers.

“The Blues have players who have promotions on their CVs, with some winning the National League North only a few months ago.

“The managers know their squad inside out and they have had five sessions to work with the players now ahead of the Telford game, but Johnson acknowledged that match sharpness can be lost very quickly if you have a lengthy period without a game.”

Bucks boss Gavin Cowan acknowledges Chester, who were relegated from the National League last term, have had a peculiar start to this campaign and, because of that, does not want to pay too much attention to them.

His focus is on making sure his Telford side are set up properly and, having gone five unbeaten, you would back him to do just that.

Adam Dawson could well be the wildcard for the Bucks in this one.

He has come off the bench in the last two games and provided an assist in each. The 25-year-old winger will be particularly looking forward to this clash too after turning down a move to the Blues in order to join Telford during the summer – his association with Cowan at Nuneaton a few years ago being the deciding factor.

Another who will be raring to go is Daniel Udoh.

He had a spell at Chester last year and has netted three times in his last two Bucks games. Andre Brown and Amari Morgan-Smith – both proven forwards at this level – are eager to be the main man too, and that seems to be bringing the best out of the 21-year-old.

Steph Morley (calf) is a doubt for Telford. Ryan Sears is suspended. On the Blues’ team news, Powell added: “Chester will be without influential midfielder Gary Roberts owing to suspension. He’s been the pick of the bunch so far this season. But skipper Scott Burton should start for the first time this season following injury.

“The loss of striker Shaun Tuton – set to sign for Spennymoor – has not been ideal but there is enough quality to compensate.”

Predicted Bucks line-up (4-4-2): Bramley; Streete, Smith, Sutton, White; Dawson, Deeney, McQuilkin, Knights; Udoh, Morgan-Smith