Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Chester made it three pre-season wins as new signing Ma'kel Campbell scored a 29th-minute header to beat Hyde United 1-0 at Project Solar Stadium.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
The opening quarter-hour was a cagey affair, with both sides feeling each other out on a spacious Ewen Fields pitch. Chester's Jacob Hazel drew the first save of the night, forcing Hyde goalkeeper Jordan Eastham into a comfortable low stop.
The breakthrough came shortly before the half-hour mark. A ball dropped to Campbell just inside the area and the teenager showed composure beyond his years, nodding an intelligent header over Eastham and into the net for his first Chester goal.
Hazel came close to doubling the lead before half-time, striking narrowly wide after positive work down the left. The score remained 0-1 at the break.
Chester made wholesale changes in the second period, introducing a raft of substitutes including academy graduates Connor Murphy, Dan Kennedy and Harry Deakin — all of whom had signed their first senior contracts earlier in the day. Substitute Kofi Moore had two efforts in quick succession, both saved by Eastham, while Murphy fired over after a flowing move involving Billy Waters down the right.
Hyde's best moments came from a series of dangerous corners that centre-back Jack Kenny had to clear. Moore forced one more save from Eastham in the closing stages, but Chester held on comfortably.
The turning point
Campbell's 29th-minute header was the only goal, but the timing was significant. Scored on the same day his signing was announced, and against a Hyde side that had kept Chester quiet for the first 25 minutes, the goal forced the hosts to chase the game — a task they never looked likely to achieve.
Key performers
Ma'kel Campbell (Chester) — A dream debut for the 19-year-old forward. One chance, one goal, and a physical presence that suggests he will be a useful option for Phil Parkinson this season. Player of the match.
Jacob Hazel (Chester) — Led the line well and was a constant threat. Forced a save from Eastham early on and went close again before the interval.
Jordan Eastham (Hyde United) — The Hyde goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable, making several saves — including two from Moore in quick succession — and could do little about Campbell's well-placed header.
Jack Kenny (Chester) — Introduced as a second-half substitute and dealt with Hyde's aerial threat from set pieces, making a series of clearances under pressure.
By the numbers — interpreted
The provider data shows a single goal from 0.60 xG in the first half — Chester's only shot on target proved decisive. The Tigers' best chances came from set pieces rather than open play, reflecting a disciplined Chester defensive shape that restricted Hyde to low-percentage opportunities. The heavy rotation in the second half disrupted Chester's rhythm but also gave valuable minutes to seven academy products, five of whom are now under senior contracts.
What it means
Chester's third pre-season victory (W3 D1 L1 in their five friendlies since early July) builds momentum ahead of the 2026/27 National League North campaign, which begins against Charlton Athletic's U21 side. Phil Parkinson acknowledged after the match that his side has "got so many more levels to go through" but noted the team is "there or thereabouts" in terms of readiness.
Hyde United, who play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, have now lost five of their six pre-season fixtures, with the solitary win coming against Stalybridge Celtic on 18 July. They host Atherton Collieries on 28 July before opening their league campaign.
Next fixtures:
- Hyde United: vs Atherton Collieries (H) — 28 July 2026
- Chester: at Nantwich Town (A) — date TBC, then Charlton Athletic U21 (H) — season opener
Verdict
A professional if unspectacular pre-season win for Chester, settled by a moment of quality from their newest signing. The Seals controlled the game without ever hitting top gear, which is precisely what pre-season is for. Hyde will be encouraged by their defensive organisation but need more attacking thrust in the final third before the real season starts.
Match Events
Key match events between Hyde United and Chester — 1 goal and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Rivalry since 2013
Hyde United vs Chester Head to Head Results· 2
Hyde United and Chester have met 2 times — Hyde United won 0, Chester won 2, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2013. Chester leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 8 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (3 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–2 in 2014.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 26 Jul 2026