Chester v Stockport preview

Both teams need the points in this North-West derby

Last updated: 28th March 2008

Tony Dinning

Dinning: Suspended

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Chester and Stockport are at opposite ends of the table and need to win for differing reasons.

The home team were once in the promotion hunt but a dreadful run of form means they are in 19th place and still need points to be sure of safety.

County, meanwhile, are in fantastic form and are now just five points off an automatic promotion place.

Chester will be without experienced midfielder Tony Dinning after he was sent off in the latter stages of Monday's 1-0 defeat at Peterborough for two bookable offences and must now serve a one-match ban.

Fit-again striker Richie Partridge will be hoping to add to his brace against Stockport earlier in the season, while Chris Holroyd (hamstring) and skipper Paul Butler (foot) remain injury doubts.

The duo missed the game against Posh and could again be absent as the Blues bid to secure back-to-back home wins after the 2-1 success over Darlington last Saturday.

Tony Grant stepped up his rehabilitation from a calf injury with an appearance for the reserves in midweek and could come into contention, but Nathan Lowndes (back) is still ruled out.

Stockport news

Stockport have also signed Crewe forward Ryan Lowe for the remainder of the campaign and he could feature against his former club.

They have also re-signed Wolves midfielder Stephen Gleeson on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who previously made 14 starts while on loan with County last season, joins following a month-long loan stay with promotion rivals Hereford, where he made four appearances.

However, skipper Ashley Williams has joined Swansea on loan with a view to a permanent move.

County are again likely to be without Matty McNeil, who is still recovering from an operation on his lateral ligament, and Jim McNulty, who is closing in on a return following a persistent ankle problem.