DATE

REPORT

6 March

Mens 2nds vs Southport 2nds – Lost 1 - 5

The match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Before the match Southport were 30 points ahead of Chester and are odds on favourites to be promoted as champions so Chester can be justly proud that for long periods of the game they were in control. Southport were able to finish their chances where as Chester were not and this was the only difference between the two teams.

28 February

Mens 2nds vs Urmston 1sts – Lost 1 - 3

Chester were hoping to put on a better performance this week. Unfortunately, despite a goal by Moulson the result went against them.

21 February

Mens 2nds vs Oxton 2nds – Lost 0 - 2

After a ropey start Chester found themselves a goal behind after only 5 minutes from an unlucky shot that somehow snuck under Dav Jones' body from a short corner. However, Chester rallied and the following 50 minutes were even - both sides having chances to score. Chester continually failed to be awarded short corners and had Carl Lee sin-binned. Chester's tired legs could not stop an Oxton counter attack and found themselves picking the ball out of the net for a second time. Chester's hard work all over the pitch went unrewarded by a goal.

7 February

Mens 2nds vs Liverpool Sefton 1st – Drew 1 - 1

After two wins in two, Chester were keen to carry on their winning run, and it looked like they were going to for the majority of the match. After sustained pressure, Sam Chapman finished from the top of the circle. After a number of chances in the second half that Chester were unable to convert, Liverpool Sefton scored a surprise breakaway goal. Chester continued the pressure, but were unable to find a winner.

31 January

Mens 2nds vs Bebington 2nds – Won 2 - 1

Chester took charge early on and dominated much of the 1st half. Aggressive attacking play culminated in a penalty corner which was converted by Tim Davies who seems to relish these high pressure situations. Spurred on by this Andrew Patterson slotted home at the far post in true centre forward style, sensing Andy Russell’s dribble into the 'd' would end in a hard cross. Bebington were hanging on at this stage but were brought back into it with the award of a penalty flick. The second half became a dour affair with Bebington throwing everything at Chester who somehow managed to keep their local rivals out with the help of the goal frame. Other notable performances from Tony Nicholas and Phil Lynn put the seal on 3 much needed points as we approach the closing stages of the season. This result will help settle the nerves for next weeks encounter against Liverpool Sefton.

13 December

Mens 2nds vs – Bebington – Won 5 - 3

After a good start, Tim Davies volleyed home from close range after a short corner. Bebington equalised but Chester fought back well and went back in front through Selley. Chester started the 2nd half well and Selley and Tookey worked well to earn two goals a piece. Bebington scored a dubious penalty flick but Chester held on. A good team performance.

29 November

Mens 2nds vs –. Deeside Ramblers 2nds – Won 1 - 0

Chester were well motivated for this local derby. Chester were first to every ball and were superior in all areas of the pitch. After good work from Selley, Tookey converted from close range to score Chester's only goal. In the final five minutes, Dav Jones made a series of fantastic saves which secured Chester 3 points and him the Man of the Match award

22 November

Mens 2nds vs South Cheshire 1 – Draw 3 - 3

Chester turned up for the match on a high after celebrating Harvey's birthday the night before.  Bolstered with the return of Bond, Harvey and Ible, Chester felt this was the match to get them out of their current run of bad luck.  However when the game started, it was to not go Chester's way.  South Cheshire attacked hard and scored a goal in the first 10 mins.  Chester responded within 4 minutes with Selley nailing the ball into the roof of the net after a well worked routine between Lee, Ible and Lynn. However Chester then seemed to disintegrate allowing South Cheshire to score twice in quick succession.  The half time interval arrived with some good advice from 1^st teamers watching and a swift rollicking from skipper McIntyre.  This spurred Chester on in the second half, where they chased every ball down and forced South Cheshire into making all the mistakes.  Some quick passing between Russell and Newman saw Tookey released down the left hand side, where he drove into the D, around 2   players and calmly slotted the ball in at the post.  Chester increased the pressure and got the equaliser through a slick short corner routine with Harvey hammering the ball home. The Chester pressure continued with some showboating from Martin and only one save needed from Davs. The last 10 minutes saw Tim clip the post and Lynn taken out for what should have been a certain flick.  Unfortunately the umpire missed it. For Chester a point, but more importantly, the self belief that we can play the standard we want to.

15 November

Mens 2nds vs –Urmston – Lost 0 - 6

Chester gave the ball away cheaply in all areas of the pitch. Urmston could break in numbers and their fitness and greater speed took its toll. D Jones in goal managed to keep the score somewhat respectable and Tim Davies on his league debut for the 2nd xi was an example of composure and discipline to the rest of us.

4 October

Mens 2nds vs Mossley Hill - Lost 2 - 3

The contest started evenly enough with both sides missing chances, however Mossley Hill were harder in the tackle, worked harder off the ball to put Chester under pressure and were rewarded with two goals before the break. Mossley Hill added to Chester's woes with a third goal and Chester looked to be on the brink of falling apart. With less than fifteen minutes on the clock a superb solo effort by Selley resulted in a goal and put the fight back into Chester. the 2nd XI showed their true character and abilities and earned a second goal, again from Selley. with only a minute left on the clock however it was too little too late. Chester can take heart from the manor in which they finished the match but will have to show that level of commitment for longer if they are to prevail against Bebbington this Saturday.

27 September

Mens 2nds vs Cheetham – Won 8 - 0

An emphatic win for an on-form Chester 2nd team, in their 1st League match of the season. Chester started briskly, scoring within the 1st minute, from a well worked, flowing move. Despite such a bright start, Chester struggled to convert dominance into goals, squandering numerous chances and it wasn't for another 20 minutes until Chester forced a further breakthrough, 2-0 at half time. Chester came out all guns blazing in the 2nd half, playing quality hockey and totally dominating the game, but they had added a faster ball speed and were more clinical in front of goal, final score 8-0, the scorers were Richard Selley 3, Andy Tookey 2, Lynn Phillips 1, Carl Lee 1, Chris Moulson 1.