'Pressure? We'll thrive on it!' - Chester and Connell Rawlinson face their biggest test
The Blues welcome title favourites AFC Fylde to the Deva Stadium this weekend
A few weeks ago, when looking at the final run of games for Chester there was little expectation that this weekend’s game would be a high stakes game for anyone but AFC Fylde.
The Coasters, managed by former Blues hero Craig Mahon, are within touching distance of the National League North title after battling staving off a mammoth three-goal comeback to beat Radcliffe 4-3 on Monday, while title rivals South Shields suffered a hammer blow to their own aspirations with defeat against Darlington, one of Chester’s rivals for a play-off place.
Fylde came into the season with lofty expectations, and that is something that comes with the territory when the playing budget is that of a team playing a level above. Club owner David Haythornthwaite has a reputation as a man who will put his money where his mouth is, but with an expectation that results will follow. A late slip into the play-offs is not something that would be welcomed, and should results go in their favour this weekend, it isn’t one that seems likely.
