DEVA NEWS
DEVA DIARY
FIXTURES AND STATS
MATCH REPORTS
DEVA STADIUM
PLAYERS
EXILES, ISA, TRAVEL GUIDE
CLUB HISTORY
WALLPAPER, LINKS,  SITE MAP
Back Home
CLUB HISTORY
History | Fixtures 1885-2021 | Honours | Records | Colours | Where Are They Now? | Programmes | Miscellaneous | Latest Articles
THE FIRST MATCH AT ‘THE STADIUM’ SEALAND ROAD
Chester City v Wigan Borough August 29th 1931
League Division Three (North)
Chester City 4 Wigan Borough 0
Scorers for Chester – Hedley 53, Ranson 55, Jennings 60, Hedley.
Attendance: 12,625 Receipts: £700

HUGE CROWD CHEER CITY HOME
The first league game at The Stadium back in the summer of 1931 when Wigan Borough were the visitors. Ironically the result was to later be expunged from the records when Wigan resigned from the league the following Ocotber.

Amongst the civic dignatories attending the opening day were John Major, the Mayor of Chester, Robert Matthewson, the Sheriff and the President of the Cheshire FA Harry Hughes.

As 'Wanderer' of the Chester Chronicle reported, thousands were in the ground an hour before kick-off and buses ploughed their way through the closely packed roads. The sun beat down and whilst the Wigan directors were able to inspect the pitch their Chester counterparts were too busy making sure that everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.

Five minutes before kick-off a roar broke out as Tom Jennings led Chester out, followed by visiting skipper Sharp, and the rest of the Wigan Borough side. The match was underway with Borough having the advantage of a slight breeze, but their 'keeper Mittell was the first in action, saving Reilly's free kick. Ernie Keeley had an outstanding game, forging a fine partnership with Jack Ranson. When they first combined Julian was alert to cut out the danger.

Keeley shot over after a fine run and when Wigan full back Wade was penalised, Mittell did well to push our Reilly's free kick. Later Hedley was denied by the 'keeper's legs but Jennins put the ball wide of an open goal.

Frank Cresswell came closest to giving Chester the laad sending in a low shot which Mittell pushed away for a corner, keeping the socre to 0-0 at half time.

After the break Wade nearly scored an own goal froma back pass. Stevenson made a good run for Borough but Johnson saved well. Then came Chester's opener on 53 minutes when Mittell could only parry Frank Cresswell's shot and the ball had already dropped over the line as Hedley made sure. It was said that the cheer could be heard on the Town Hall Square! Two minutes later and Chester doubled their lead. Wade failed to clear jennings' cross and Jack Ranson forced home.

On the hour Julian conceded a corner which was taken by Headley and met by Tom Jennings, 3-0.

Wigan tried to hit back but Johnson saved from Oakes. Jennings pulled up with a leg injury in chasing a through ball from Jones and had to leave the pitch after Foster Hedley had made it 4-0 dribbling round Mittell.

Chester: Johnson, Herod, Jones, Keeley, Skitt, Reilly, Matthews, Ranson, Jennings, Cresswell, Hedley.
Wigan Borough: Mittell, Wade, Julian, Shears, Martin, Sharp, Moon, Tebb, Valentine, Oakes, Stevenson
Referee: G.Stevenson (Liverpool) Linesmen: G.Cahill, T.Talbot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 1997-2021 Steve Mansley | User Stats | Technical | Webmaster
Back | Top

 

search this site»
email this page
LATEST NEWS
PROMISING DEBUT CUT SHORT
There was a promising debut from Kieran Burton as Chester drew with Curzon Ashton on Saturday.
more »
LAST MATCH
BLUES MAKE THEIR POINT
Chester see two late efforts blocked on the line as they come away from Tamworth with a deserved point.
more »
NEXT MATCH
SOUTH SHIELDS
Chester are home to South Shields on Saturday. kick-off 15.00hrs.
Fixtures 2023/24
League table
Chester weather
 
CLUB HISTORY
Everything you need to know about the club’s history, honours, records and kits. Complete list of fixtures from 1885 and much more.
more »
SUPPORTERS
EXILES BLOG
The Exiles have set up a blog to provide away match information and articles for Blues fans living away from Chester. You can read it here
Exiles » | ISA »