Here we are. One game to go and everything riding on it.
To say this weekend’s game against Salisbury City was crucial would be the understatement of the century. It is far bigger than that.
Considering the way that the other relegation-threatened side’s around Chester had picked up points in the final weeks, most Blues fans probably would have taken the position that Steve Burr’s men find themselves going into Saturday’s game.
The draw against Wrexham was a disappointing one and, in truth, it was one of the most underwhelming cross-border derbies between the two sides in many a year.
That said, just two days later, the Blues did what even the most wide-eyed optimist would have thought a little far-fetched – they won at Cambridge United.
The 1-0 win at the Abbey Stadium evoked memories of Chester City’s visit to Leyton Orient back in 2000, where goals from Carl Heggs and Neil Fisher sealed a win that would live long in the memory of the Blues fans in attendance at Brisbane Road. The eventual outcome of the season was not a moment to savour, however.
When Chester needed just a point from their encounter with Peterborough United but fell to defeat, they paid the ultimate price. That memory needs to be banished come the end of this weekend’s game and Burr’s men must achieve safety on the back of their own achievements, not the failures of others.
Hereford fell to a miserable defeat against Tamworth, who must be every Blues fans favoured second side after relegating Dartford on Monday, but the Bulls claimed an impressive win against Alfreton and they have every chance of claiming the three points they need against Andy Scott’s now-safe Aldershot Town side.
Salisbury, led by 29-year-old manager Mikey Harris, have enjoyed a solid campaign this season and could finish the season with their highest ever points total in non-league football’s top flight should they win on Saturday.
With so much at stake this weekend, and with the Blues in front of the gaze of the BT Sport cameras for a third time this season, here is where the game could be won and lost and what could prove the difference between safety and relegation.
Paul Linwood v Charlie Sheringham
A hallmark of Chester’s disappointing season has been the lack of a consistent pairing at the centre of the Blues backline.
There have been several combinations of players who have been deployed at the heart of the defence this campaign, with veteran Linwood being in and out of the side.
In the past few matches, however, the strong defender has been a major plus for Burr’s side and has provided some much needed steel, determination and experience to the Blues side.
He was exceptional at the Abbey Stadium and played a key role in ensuring the Blues kept a clean sheet against one of the Conference’s most feared sides.
Although not the quickest, when the 30-year-old is on form he is a dominating presence in the tackle and in the air. He will need to be both of these things this weekend when he faces the son of the former Manchester United and England star Teddy Sheringham.
Sheringham Jnr has been in impressive form for the Whites since arriving on loan at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium last month from League Two side AFC Wimbledon.
The 25-year-old striker, a graduate of Crystal Palace, has netted four times in seven outings since joining Harris’ men and will be a potent weapon and a real threat to the Blues chances of claiming victory at the Swansway Chester Stadium this weekend.
The 6ft 1ins striker has an impressive goalscoring record in non-league football, having enjoyed fruitful spells at Dartford, Welling United and Bishop’s Stortford in recent seasons.
Linwood’s experience could prove key to keeping Sheringham quiet and ensuring a clean sheet for the Blues.
John Rooney v Kevin Amankwaah
With relatives of two Manchester United heroes taking to the field on Saturday, Rooney will be hoping it is him that is all smiles come the final whistle.
A player with talent in abundance, the 23-year-old has blown hot and cold in recent weeks but was in good form in the Bank Holiday Monday win over the U’s, putting in a workmanlike performance.
If Rooney can find his spark again he could prove to be the key that unlocks a tough Salisbury City backline.
In recent games his delivery from set pieces has been poor and that will be something that he will need to address as the Blues chances of victory, given their lack of firepower upfront, could come from dead-ball situations.
In Amankwaah, the Blues attacking outlets will be facing a tall, strong competitor with considerable Football League experience.
The former Yeovil Town, Swindon Town and Swansea City man has been a regular fixture in the Whites defence this season and has been a key component in their impressive campaign.
Rooney has the talent to give the big man the runaround but Amankwaah’s experience could be a deciding factor. If however, Rooney can find his groove at the right time he may prove to be too wiley for the 31-year-old Londoner.
Steve Burr v Mikey Harris
Burr has given the Blues an excellent chance of survival this season, with his premonition that his side’s fate will go down to the wire proving to be correct.
Tactics will decide this game and Burr will be hoping that his side can produce a similar performance to the one that was delivered at the Abbey Stadium.
He is an experienced manager who has the knowledge at this level to know what is required and what has to be done. His experience will be key this weekend as he assembles his squad for one final push – one leap from the trenches.
Harris, the youngest manager in the Conference Premier and the youngest in full-time football at the tender age of just 29, has proven himself to be wise beyond his years in the dugout.
He has created quite an impressive reputation for himself thus far, with his side just falling short of the play-offs in the final stretch of games, but within touching distance of their best-ever finish.
A former Salisbury midfielder, he has been part of the backroom staff for over four years so is no novice when it comes to knowing the ropes.
With a 25-year age gap between the two managers, Burr will be hoping his know-how will be enough to see him outwit his young opponent on the touchline. If he can mastermind even a 1-0 triumph this weekend, he will be revered as a hero to the blue and white faithful.
