Chester FC v Dover Athletic: Everything you need to know

Who's playing?

Chester FC v Dover Athletic.

When and where?

Saturday, October 1 (3pm) at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium, Chester.

Any team news?

Blues boss Jon McCarthy revealed a couple of players picked up head injuries in training but was hopeful he would have most of his squad fit and available.

Evan Horwood and Luke George will likely come into contention for starting roles against the Whites having missed recent games through injury.

Liam Roberts is the only senior goalkeeper on Chester's books going into the clash following the departure of Jon Worsnop but McCarthy was hopeful of possibly adding one in time for the weekend but admitted it could be next week.

Tell me about Dover...

The Whites made the play-offs last season under manager Chris Kinnear following a superb campaign but they have found things tougher going this time around.

They endured a sticky start to the season but have turned things around in some style of late and have registered four wins from their last five games which has included successes over high-flying sides such as Forest Green Rovers and Lincoln City.

They have a hugely experienced boss in Kinnear who has spent many a season managing in non-league football's top flight, and while not expected to make a promotion push this time around they are likely to be one of the National League's tougher customers.

In striker Ricky Miller they have one of the most dangerous marksmen in the league and the tricky forward has seven goals to his name already this season. Add to that players such as Moses Emmanuel, so prolific for Bromley last term, and the eighth-placed Whites are a force to be reckoned with going forward.

Blues boss Jon McCarthy (Image: Terry Marland)

What has Jon McCarthy had to say about it?

"They are strong, maybe not as strong as last year as they have had a lot of changes," said the Blues boss.

"They are another team who is up there who will be a threat to our recent run of good form.

"They are out on a limb down there but able to attract some good players at our level. They are starting to show good form and it is a good test for us and that is what we want.

"I have so much respect for him (Kinnear), the teams he puts out and the way he conducts himself," said McCarthy.

"I won't be taking him for granted. He has that experience, know-how and has a lot of good players.

"We have an opportunity to pick up some points over the next few games.

"I think they will be wary of us, though. I think of lot of teams will be and so they should be."

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What happened the last time we met?

Chester came from a goal down to salvage a point against the Whites in a 1-1 draw in November last year.

Ross Hannah levelled in first-half stoppage time after Dover had taken the lead in stunning fashion on 37 minutes when Stefan Payne's overhead kick was flicked on by Ricky Modeste and volleyed home with aplomb by Miller. The goal went viral on social media.