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NEWS FROM DEVA STADIUM 2020

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DECEMBER
29 December 2020
MIKE SUTTON 1944-2020

Mike Sutton, a regular in the Chester team of the late 1960’s, has sadly passed away in Norwich at the age of 76 after a long struggle with dementia. His plight was well documented and his son, former Norwich and Celtic striker Chris, has been one of the people at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness of the problems caused by the disease amongst former professional footballers.

Obituary


YEAR ENDS WITH HOME DEFEAT
Chester were unable to build on their success of Boxing Day as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Chorley yesterday. Victory would have seen the Blues end the year in second place, instead they were beaten by an in-form Chorley side, unbeaten in nine matches, in a game played behind closed doors.

Following a long throw Ollie Shenton opened the scoring for the Magpies on 25 minutes. Chester were level though ten minutes later though as Anthony Dudley, making his 100th appearance for the club, scored his fourth goal in as many games after being put through by Danny Elliott. However with the game in first-half added time Chorley were awarded a penalty following a foul by Simon Grand, Connor Hall converting the spot kick to secure the three points for the visitors.

The Blues gave a debut to on-loan Stoke City defender Connor Taylor who came off the bench for the last six minutes.

Chester are back in action on Saturday when they have a home match against AFC Telford United, kick-off 15.00hrs.


Picture © Rick Matthews

League Table
| More photos
27 December 2020
CHRISTMAS JOY FOR BLUES

Goals from George Glendon and Anthony Dudley gave Chester a 2-1 victory over AFC Telford United at the New Bucks Head on Boxing Day. The Blues started well but fell behind against the run of play as Aaron Williams opened the scoring with the home sides first effort on 18 minutes. A quick free-kick saw Glendon and Dudley combine on the edge of the box with the former steering the ball past former Blues ‘keeper Russ Griffiths to equalise eight minutes later.

Chester sealed the deserved victory on 67 minutes as John Johnston went on a mazy run into the box down the left before crossing to Dudley at the far post who coolly slotted home.

The three points lifts Chester into third place and they are back in action on Monday with a behind-closed-doors home match against Chorley, kick-off 15.00hrs.


Picture © Rick Matthews

League Table
| More photos | Match Highlights (YouTube)
24 December 2020
MATCHES BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Following on from yesterday’s government announcement that Cheshire West & Chester will be placed in Tier 3 from Boxing Day, the football club have confirmed that no supporters will now be allowed to attend matches for the foreseeable future, in line with Tier 3 Coronavirus rule’s. Those supporters who purchased tickets for the Chorley game on 28 December will be contacted shortly regarding refunds. The match will still be streamed live by the club.

22 December 2020
CHORLEY TICKETS

A limited number of general admission tickets, both seated and standing, are available online for the home match against Chorley on Monday 28 December. Print-at-home Car Park tickets are also available for this match online. No tickets are available on the day of the game. Details of prices etc can be found here.

SOUTHPORT MATCH TO BE REARRANGED
The home match with Southport scheduled for Saturday 16 January 2021 will have to be rearranged as the Sandgrounders are involved in FA Trophy Fourth Round action that day.

20 December 2020
BLUES EXIT TROPHY

Chester were knocked out of the FA Trophy 2-1 by Altrincham on Saturday. The Blues fell behind on the stroke of half time to a stunning Joel Senior goal from fully 25+ yards out. Five minutes into the second period Anthony Dudley restored parity shooting beyond Tony Thompson from the edge of the box. Altrincham restored their lead just five minutes later breaking away from a Chester corner as former Blue Tom Peers chipped the ball over the advancing Louis Gray for what proved to be the winning goal.


Picture © Rick Matthews.
18 December 2020
TROPHY MATCH SWITCHED

Due to the pitch at Altrincham suffering after recent heavy rain, the FA Trophy match tomorrow has be switched to Deva Stadium. It will be played behind closed doors – as would have been the case had the game gone ahead at Moss Lane.

15 December 2020
CHESTER PROGRESS IN TROPHY

Chester set up a Third Round FA Trophy tie at Altrincham on Saturday, kick-off 15.00hrs, after last night’s 3-1 home victory over Bradford (Park Avenue) in the Second Round. George Waring opened tie scoring on 21 minutes and Anthony Dudley doubled the lead from the penalty spot on 58. Will Goodwin scored his first senior goal for the club in the dying minutes before Bradford pulled back a consolation effort in stoppage time.


Picture © Rick Matthews

More photos
GARY ROBERTS LEAVES CHESTER
Midfielder Gary Roberts has left the Blues having received an offer to play elsewhere. The Chester-born player made 77+7 appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals in the process.

15 December 2020
ASKEW JOINS CHESTER

Chester have signed 22-year-old left back Josh Askew on non-contract terms. The player has been at Boston United since the summer. Askew was on loan at Curzon Ashton last season and played under Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson previously at Salford City.

14 December 2020
STALEMATE FOR BLUES

Chester kept their first clean sheet on the road this season after a hard fought draw at Boston United’s new Jakemans Community Stadium. The game saw referee Jon Kenny issue four red cards, one of which was to joint manager Bernard Morley as the game ended in a bad tempered affair. Just after half-time Boston’s coach Lee Stratford was shown red for pushing over John Johnston as he retrieved a ball. Later in the game Jordan Thewlis was dismissed for an off the ball incident that resulted in an altercation in the dugouts that saw both Morley and Boston’s Mitch Rose who had been substituted and was sitting in the stand shown red.

Regarding the match itself, both goalkeepers, Ross Fitzsimons for the Pilgrims, and Louis Gray kept their respective sides in it with a series of fine saves. Chester had two great chances to nick all three points at the end as Simon Grand sent Danny Elliott away but the Blues striker pulled his shot wide of target. And with the game entering stoppage time, Elliott’s replacement George Waring header just wide from George Glendon’s cross.

Chester stay in fifth place as a result of the draw. Fans will once again be present on Tuesday night when the Blues entertain Bradford (Park Avenue) in the Second Round of the FA Trophy, kick-off 19.45hrs. If the tie is level after 90 minutes it will go straight to penalties.


Picture © Rick Matthews

More photos | League Table

11 December 2020
FA TROPHY TICKETS

Tickets for Tuesday’s FA Trophy match against Bradford (Park Avenue) are now on sale. This game is NOT included with the Season Ticket package, and prices for all are as follows:

Seated: £15 adults, £12 concessions, £10 18-21yrs, £3 12-17yrs and free for Under 12s
Standing: £12 adults, £10 concessions, £8 18-21yrs, £3 12-17yrs and free for Under 12s


Tickets are on sale to existing Season Ticket holders until 18.00hrs on Saturday. A limited number of tickets will then go on sale to non-Season Ticket holders at 12.00 on Sunday until 18.00hrs on Monday. No away fans will be admitted for this game.

Tickets can be bought from the ticket office on 01244 371376 or bought online here. Note that the ticket office will not be able to take cash transactions.

For those who can’t attend the club will be streaming the match for both clubs at a cost of £7.99.

WEEKS EXTENDS CONTRACT
Supporters will be pleased to hear that midfielder Declan Weeks has extended his contract until the end of the season. Money raised in the summer with the Beat The Budget campaign has helped the 25-year-old further his stay with the Blues.

9 December 2020
FA TROPHY DRAW

Chester have drawn Bradford (Park Avenue) at home in the Second Round of the FA Trophy the tie will be played on Tuesday 12 December. Should the club win through, they will play away at Altrincham in the Third Round on the following Saturday 19 December.

Second Round prize money: winners £3,750, losers £1,000
Third Round prize money: winners £4,500, losers £1,250
FANS RETURN FOR EIGHT GOAL FEAST
A crowd of 403 returned to Deva Stadium for the first time since March last night and those fortunate to be there were rewarded with an extraordinary game that saw Chester come from behind to defeat Hereford 5-3 and move fifth.

Chester had found themselves 2-0 down in the opening half hour as a brace of goals from Tom Owen-Evans gave the Bulls a clear lead. With the game heading into the break Declan Weeks gave Chester a foothold and a glimmer of hope with a well taken goal in front of the Harry McNally Terrace.

There was a frantic start to the second period as Danny Elliott drew Chester level on 49 minutes, tapping home after Bulls ‘keeper White had spilled Will Godwin’s effort, and three minutes later White palmed the ball into his own net from a Weeks corner to hand Blues the lead.

Louis Gray made a crucial great save to deny substitute Chris Camwell before John Johnston scored the goal of the night, his first for the club, smashing the ball into the top corner from 20 yards to make it 4-2.

Hereford struck back as Kennedy Digie headed home from a corner on 73 minutes, but Chester made the points safe with a fifth goal five minutes from time as Danny Livesey was on hand to turn home George Glendon’s free-kick at the far post to end a remarkable game.

The win moves Chester to fifth in the league. On Saturday they travel to Boston United where they make their first visit to the Pilgrims’ new Jakemans Community Stadium. The game is being streamed live by Boston, details here.


Picture © Rick Matthews

More photos | League Table

8 December 2020
TAYLOR JOINS CHESTERFIELD

Joel Taylor has today completed a move to National League side Chesterfield. The club have received an initial £25,000 fee for the player, there are also performance add-ons relating to on-field success over the next two season’s.

FA TROPHY DRAW
The draw for both the second round (Tuesday 15 December) and the third round (Saturday 19 December) of the FA Trophy will be released at 13.00hrs tomorrow.

AWARD FOR JANELLE
Congratulations to Janelle Howell who has been awarded the Vanarama National League North Volunteer of the Month award in recognition of her hard work with the retail side of the club.

7 December 2020
BLUES WELCOME BACK SUPPORTERS

It has been confirmed that a limited number of supporters are to be admitted for tomorrow night’s home match against Hereford. The game is a pilot event for season ticket holders ONLY with strict social distancing measures in place. Supporters MUST sit in the seat they have been given. Should tomorrow night go ahead without any problems, it is hoped to admit non season ticket holders to future matches. Season tickets holders who haven’t yet picked up their ticket card are urged to do so from the office tomorrow between the hours of 10.00-19.00hrs to ensure a smooth entry and to minimise any delay on the night.

The club have thanked the Safety Advisory Group and National League for their agreement and assistance and also the efforts of safety officer Steve Povey and safety certificate holder Mark Jones. The match is still being streamed live for those unable to attend.

The club have issued some FAQ’s regarding the matchday experience which you can view here.

The club have also issued a matchday Covid Code of Conduct that supporters must adhere to, you can view that here.

JOEL TAYLOR TO LEAVE CHESTER

Chester have accepted an undisclosed fee for defender Joel Taylor who is expected to leave the club tomorrow, though his destination has not yet been revealed. Taylor made 45+3 appearances for Chester having signed from Kidderminster Harriers in May 2019, and in May this year was voted CFU Player of the Season. He was also named in the National League North Team of the Season. Taylor was left out of the Blues side at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

Picture © Rick Matthews


CHESTER BEATEN AT YORK
Despite a good performance Chester were beaten 2-1 at York City on Saturday. The Minstermen opened the scoring with a deflected shot by Scott Barrow following a short corner.

Declan Weeks drew Chester level on 58 minutes with a great run and shot that gave Peter Jameson in the home goal no chance. With Chester enjoying a good spell it was the home side that struck with 20 minutes remaining as Akil Wright’s header from a corner somehow found its way past the Blues defence and Jamie Morgan on the post to sneak into the net.

The defeat saw York leapfrog Chester who dropped down to tenth place. They’re back in action on Tuesday night with a home game against Hereford, kick-off 19.45hrs. The Bulls have played just seven games so far this season and sit in 19th place with nine points.


Picture © Rick Matthews

More photos |
League Table
2 December 2020
HOME VICTORY LIFTS BLUES

Chester gave a full debut to forward Will Goodwin as they ran out 3-0 winners over Alfreton Town to move up to sixth place in the table. The game was generally a scrappy affair that saw the Blues take the lead from their first real attack on 20 minutes, a Danny Elliott’s effort was handled in the area and referee Michael Crusham pointed to the penalty spot. Elliott sent Alfreton ‘keeper George Willis the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick.


The Blues rode their luck a bit in the opening exchanges of the second period as the visitors twice hit the woodwork before Jamie Morgan doubled the lead on 62 minutes following fine approach play from John Johnston. The points were wrapped up in the dying moments as substitute Anthony Dudley, who had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds, picked up an Elliott pass and guided the ball into the net past Willis.

Chester are next in action on Saturday when they make the trip to Bootham Crescent to face York City, kick-off 15.0-hrs. The Minstermen have only played five matches so far this season (they play at Blyth Spartans tonight) and currently sit in 17th place.

The weekend match is being played behind closed doors, but is being screened live by York City for £7.99. Details here.


Picture © Rick Matthews

More photos |
League Table
GREEN LIGHT FOR KGV SPORTS HUB
There was great news ahead of the victory over Alfreton last night as the Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee gave an 11/0 unanimous vote to approve the application by the Chester FC Community Trust to develop a floodlit all-weather 3G sports pitch and sports pavilion, car park and ancillary works at the current sports ground in Blacon Avenue (behind the police station) as part of the community King George V Sports Hub project.

At the meeting it was reported that the club have raised over £1m in donations and grants towards the scheme with the council also contributing £365,000. This is a joint collaboration between the Community Trust and the Council. It is hoped that work can start on the project in the spring.

Community Trust chief executive Jim Green was obviously delighted with the news that all the hard work over the couple of years had paid off, he told the official club website: “We are delighted the project has secured planning consent and very grateful to the council’s planning committee and its officers for recognising the huge benefits the sports hub will have for the community.

“In what have been extremely challenging circumstances, it is testament to the partners involved that the scheme has continued to progress and we are a step closer to making this amazing facility a reality.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported the application and there will be further announcements in the coming weeks about how individuals and businesses can play their part in helping to bring what will be one of the best community sport venues in the region to our city.”

Donations can still be made towards the scheme by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/kgvsportshub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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