Chester fought out a 0-0 draw at play-off chasing side Alfreton Town today. Danny Livesey and Rob Apter returned to the starting X1 at the expense of Matty Williams and and Matt Sargent who both dropped to the bench. It was a game of few chances but the Blues had Wyll Stanway to thank for a fine save after 20 minutes to deny Bailey Hobson’s goal bound strike.


Picture © Rick Matthews

Following amicable discussions over recent days and after careful consideration, Steve and the Club have agreed this is in the best interest of both parties.

Steve will continue to lead the team until the end of his contract, which expires following our trip to Brackley Town on the final afternoon of the season.

We thank Steve for his contribution, professionalism and the progress he has made over the past five months, and wish him every success in his future career.

The Club can assure supporters we will be seeking to identify and appoint a new manager as swiftly as possible.”


Picture © Rick Matthews

Chester were beaten 1-0 at home by York City on Tuesday night. The only goal of the game came in the 64th minute from Lenell John-Lewis as the Minstermen completed the double over the Blues and cement their play-off hopes. The Blues remain in 17th place and travel next to Alfreton Town on Saturday, kick-off 15.00hrs.


Picture © Rick Matthews

Chester emerged from the Easter period with one point from the two games against play-off chasing sides Kidderminster and AFC Fylde that saw them drop to 18th in the league table.

Things were looking good on Saturday as the Blues raced into a two goal lead against Harriers thanks to a great strike from Darren Stephenson and a Marcus Dackers penalty midway through the second half, but not for the first time in recent weeks the Blues let the lead slip allowing Amari Morgan-Smith and Omari Sterling to score in the last 18 minutes and rescue a point for the visitors who were second best for much of the game.

Monday’s game got off to a poor start with Fylde taking just three minutes to open the scoring through Nick Haughton. The Coaster doubled their lead with a penalty on the stroke of half-time as referee Andy Sykes awarded the home side a penalty following a foul by Darren Stephenson on Sam Osborne. Haughton added his second with the spot-kick.

Fylde put the game beyond Chester with a third goal from Douglas Taylor on 56 minutes. Manager Steve Watson made a triple substitution which immediately paid off as Kevin Roberts headed a goal back for the Blues. Chester pressed for a second, the closest they came was a Zack Clarke effort that hit the post.

Chester are back at Deva Stadium on Saturday when fellow strugglers Farsley Celtic are the visitors, kick-off 15.00hrs.



Picture © Rick Matthews

• League table after AFC Fylde defeat

During half-time on Saturday the Chester FC Academy team did a lap of honour to parade their North West Youth Alliance Premier Division championship trophy.




Pictures © Rick Matthews

Chester’s mini unbeaten run came to an end at the International Stadium on Saturday when they were beaten 4-3 by Gateshead. Two goals in as many minutes from Adam Campbell and Cedwyn Scott gave The Heed the upper hand early in the match, but to their credit Chester fought back well and pulled a goal back from a George Glendon lob over Filip Marschall in the home goal and then drew level with a coolly taken finish by Darren Stephenson two minutes before half-time.

Six minutes into the second period another ball over the top saw Campbell race through on goal and score his second to restore the lead for Gateshead. Six minutes from time Greg Olley headed a fourth despite a desperate attempt to claw the bal back from over the line by Louis Gray. A foul on Declan Weeks saw the Blues awarded a stoppage time penalty, the midfielder picking himself up to send Marschall the wrong way from the spot kick and complete the scoring.

Manager Steve Watson said after the defeat: “I loved the spirit from the lads, I loved the fact that we got ourselves back into the game. It felt like we had everything going against us, it felt like there were some strange decisions, but let’s not take anything away from how good a side they are. That is another top team we have gone toe to toe with and arguably could have nicked a point.”

The Blues face two promotion chasing sides over the Easter weekend. On Friday they entertain Kidderminster Harriers at Deva Stadium, and on Monday they they travel to AFC Fylde. Both games kick-off at 15.00hrs.


Picture © Rick Matthews

Back Row (L-R):

City Fans United members have until 22.0hrs on Sunday 10 April to cast their vote for their choice of the new home kit for next season. There are four options to choose from and the winning design will be announced in the match programme for the home game against Farsley Celtic on Saturday 23rd April. To cast your vote you need to email media@chesterfc.com and you MUST include your CFU Membership Number with your email.

More details, and a view of the back of the shirts can been seen on the club website here.