Chester to give safety a Shot
Aldershot v Chester
Mark Wright’s Chester travel to Aldershot on Saturday clinging on to their League Two status and deep in the knowledge that defeat at the Recreation Ground will end their five year stay back in the Football League.
Goals from Brett Pitman and Anton Robinson edged the Blues closer to the trap-door as they capitulated at home to fellow relegation candidates Bournemouth at the Deva Stadium.
The 2-0 defeat leaves Wright’s men four points adrift of safety and, with an inferior goal difference to Grimsby and Bournemouth, the only two sides they can catch, Chester’s hopes of survival seem extremely slim.
Wright is still confident his side can escape the drop but City must now win their last two games to stand even a chance of avoiding a return to the Conference, beginning with a trip to Hampshire and an out-of-sorts Aldershot side.
Gary Waddock’s men suffered a 3-0 defeat at promotion hopefuls Wycombe last time out and even though they sit comfortably in 15th, the Shots are without a win in eight – scoring just three goals in the process as they limp over the finish line.
Waddock was left bemoaning his growing injury crisis at Adams Park as Dave Winfield, Anthony Charles and Dean Howell all limped off during the 90 minutes and will be doubts for the visit of Chester.
Meanwhile, the Aldershot boss has confirmed captain Rhys Day – who has made over 100 appearances for the Shots during three seasons – Rob Elvins and Junior Mendes will not be offered new contracts next season.
Despite their downturn in form, the Shots are unbeaten at home in their last six but with just two games left to save themselves, the visitors, by stark contrast, can settle for nothing less than three points if they are to maintain their league status, for another week at least.
Verdict: Aldershot 0-2 Chester