Shaun Davies

Deeside Dragons have confirmed that forward Matty Barlow will return for the forthcoming Moralee Division season after scoring 27 goals and providing 49 assists in 41 matches last campaign. Bailey Thomas and Theo Malone will also return for a second season under two-way arrangements with Manchester Storm. Deeside will prepare for the season with two matches against Telford Tigers in Shropshire and at Deeside Leisure Centre.

Chester FC defeated King's Lynn Town 2-0 at the Deva Stadium to move top of the National League North table. Tom Peers opened the scoring after an assist from Declan Weeks, and Ma’kel Campbell added a second before half-time. Chester next travel to Darlington.

Deeside Dragons Seconds have added Oli Howells, Shannon Lingwood, Ollie Massey and Ben Fox to their roster ahead of the 2026/27 Laidler Division season, while Thomas Warburton returns after making his senior debut last year. The development side has added pre-season fixtures against Lee Valley Lions, Bradford Bulldogs and Milton Keynes Thunder. Deeside’s first team begins its competitive campaign at home against Sheffield Scimitars on September 13, followed by games against Leeds Knights and Hull Jets, with a friendly against Telford Tigers beforehand.

Chester FC are preparing to host King’s Lynn Town in their first home match of the campaign after defeating Chorley 2–1 away on the opening day. Manager Phil Parkinson praised Ma’kel Campbell’s long-range goal and described him as a special talent, while urging the midfielder to become more involved in possession and defensive play. Parkinson also said Chester must remain committed to their ball-dominant style and find ways to win when opponents apply pressure or sit deep.

Deeside Dragons have signed experienced defenceman Lewis Baldwin ahead of the new Moralee Division season. Baldwin has played around 350 games at NIHL National Division level, additional seasons in the EPL and Moralee Division, and represented Great Britain at under-18 and under-20 World Championships. Head coach Mike Clancy says Baldwin will bring composure, quick puck movement, defensive solidity and offensive ability. The club has also extended Ryan Jones, Matt Wainwright, MJ Clancy, Ross Kennedy and Ethan Mayoh through the 2027/28 season. Deeside Dragons Seconds are meanwhile retaining Charlie Spridgeon, Karl Bacon and Charlie Nicholson for the Laidler Division campaign.

Chester FC manager Phil Parkinson is preparing for his first National League North match in charge, an away fixture against Chorley. Parkinson says the team’s pre-season has gone well, with limited injuries, improved understanding of his playing principles and stronger team cohesion. He hopes Chester can avoid its usual slow starts and build early momentum. The article also lists opening fixtures across the National League North and National League, including Altrincham’s home match against Southend United.

Jordan Davies scored on his Tranmere Rovers debut, but Tranmere were eliminated from the League Cup by Rochdale after a 2-2 draw and 2-1 penalty shoot-out defeat. Chester FC ended pre-season with a goalless draw against a strong Crewe Alexandra side, prompting manager Phil Parkinson to praise his team’s performance and Crewe’s competitive approach. Chester created several chances, with Dom McHale striking the woodwork late on.

Deeside Dragons have assembled a four-goaltender group for their 2026/27 Moralee Division campaign. New signings Curtis Warburton and Ryan Wardell join returning netminders Jace Gledhill and Phil Pearson. Warburton arrives through a two-way arrangement with Sheffield and brings extensive National Division and Elite League experience, while Wardell joins after recording the Laidler Division's best save percentage last season. Head coach Mike Clancy praised both additions, and Gledhill returns for a fourth season after posting strong numbers in the previous campaign. The Dragons open the season at home against Sheffield Scimitars on September 13.

Cheshire Phoenix have added Sam Trunley, Jo’El Emanuel and Jordan Hinds to their roster ahead of the Super League Basketball season. The team finished as league runners-up and lost the playoff final to London Lions last season. Head coach Ben Thomas praised the signings, particularly Hinds’ scoring, versatility and ability to handle the ball.

Chester FC defeated Nantwich Town 3–0 in a pre-season friendly. An own goal from Declan Weeks gave Chester an early lead, Tom Peers doubled the advantage from the edge of the box, and Dan Ward completed the scoring with a clever finish 15 minutes before full time.

Deeside Dragons Seconds will host Milton Keynes Thunder at Deeside Leisure Centre on August 30 in a pre-season challenge match between teams from the NIHL North and South divisions. Netminder Leo Hyman will return for the 2026/27 season after helping Deeside achieve its best-ever sixth-place finish and reach the Laidler Division play-off final. First-team players Daniels Fadejevs, Will Harper and Tyler de La Bertouche will leave the club.

Ma'kel Campbell scored the only goal as Chester FC defeated Hyde United 1-0 in a pre-season friendly, making an immediate impact one day after his move to the club was confirmed. Manager Phil Parkinson said Chester had more levels to reach but praised Campbell’s energy, versatility, pace and ambition after his development spells with Fulham, Peterborough United and Morecambe.