News from Deva Stadium August 2022

30 August 2022
MIXED WEEKEND FOR BLUES
A home defeat followed by an away victory saw Chester finish the bank holiday weekend in 13th place after the first six games of the season. Saturday saw the visit of AFC Fylde to Deva Stadium and a game with three straight red cards. Adam Thomas and Fylde’s Pierce Bird were sent-off by referee Stuart Morland just before half-time after both players were involved in a scuffle following a foul by Bird.

The Blues were reduced to nine men early in the second half when Joe Lynch was carded for a foul on the half-way line. The only goal of the game came 15 minutes form time as Danny Philliskirk headed home following a deflection off Liam Edwards.

Chester showed great resolve in bouncing back from Saturday’s defeat with a 2-1 victory at Curzon Ashton on Monday. Declan Weeks, who was injured on Saturday, missed out as manager Calum McIntyre made four changes bringing in Darren Stephenson, Harrison Burke, Iwan Murray and Matty Williams, at the expense of Weeks, Joe Lynch, Kole Hall and Liam Edwards.

Backed by a large following, that included former players Antoni Sarcevic and Ben Heneghan in the crowd, the Blues opened the scoring midway through the first half with Alex Kenyon heading home from Iwan Murray’s corner for his first goal for the club.

Former Chester player (there were several on show for The Nash), Tom Peers headed the home side level seven minutes into the second half. Good work by Kieran Coates and Darren Stephenson set up Kurt Willoughby to score his third goal of the season on 68 minutes and claim the much needed three points.

Next up on Saturday is a visit from table toppers King’s Lynn Town, kick-off 15.00hrs. The Linnets, who dropped down from the National League in the summer, have won five and drawn one of their opening six fixtures.

Picture © Rick Matthews

• League Table | Match photographs

23 August 2022
SECOND DEFEAT FOR BLUES
Chester suffered back-to-back defeats on Saturday when they were beaten 3-2 at newly promoted Peterborough Sports. Making their first visit to the Bee Arena, the Blues found themselves a goal down on eight minutes. Harry Tyrer made a terrific save to deny Connor Kennedy but Michael Gash reacted quickest to the loose ball to square for Jordan Nicholson to score from close range.

Worse was to follow as Gash added a second, the striker had seen his penalty saved low down by Tyrer but converted the rebound. Chester had the ball in the net twice, both efforts ruled out for offside, before Adam Thomas pulled a goal back just before half-time.

Ten minutes into the second period Declan Weeks drew Chester level with an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Parity only lasted seven minutes through, as Nicholson weaved his way through the Blues defence to add his second goal and what proved to be the eventual winner.

Next up for Chester is a home game against AFC Fylde on Saturday. kick-off 15.00hrs. Fylde have won two and lost two of their opening four matches.

Picture © Rick Matthews

• League Table | Match photographs

18 August 2022
YOUTH TEAM MARCH ON
The Youth Team beat Irlam 4-0 last night in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Youth Cup. A crowd of 239 saw goals from Reece Dale (2), Sol Forde and Josh Maris book a next round match away at Atherton LR.

Chester: Beswick, Rg Daly, Bradley, Forde, Nelson, Bott, Croft, Rc Daly, Marris, Collins, Wilding. Subs: Heyes, Challinor, Bavington, Butler, Roberts, Griffiths.

17 August 2022
LATE GOAL SEES BULLS WIN
Despite playing well, Chester were beaten by a 30-yarder from Luke Haines three minutes from time as Hereford clinched their first victory of the season at Deva Stadium last night. The game had seen chances for both sides in front of a crowd of 2,237. The Blues had a chance late on for an equaliser but Matty Williams was unable to keep an effort down following a corner.

Chester will look to bounce back on Saturday when they make their first ever visit to Peterborough Sports. The match is segregated with Blues fans allocated the St. Paul’s Road end of the ground (The Colin Day Stand). Admission is by CASH ONLY. Adults: £14.00, Aged 60+ £10.00, Students and 13-17yrs old £5.00, Accompanied child under 13 £Free.

15 August 2022
IAN SWETTENHAM JOINS THE BOARD
CFU have co-opted Ian Swettenham to the board of directors at Chester FC. Ian, and his wife Dave, have been long term supporter’s of the club and have sponsored the Blues with the “Swettenham Chemists’ Community Stand” as well as the Club’s Academy teams which continue to produce players for the first-team.

14 August 2022
GREAT START TO HOME CAMPAIGN
Chester started their home campaign with a fine 2-0 victory over Brackley Town on Saturday, the fist time they’ve beaten their opponents at home. Pre-match live music and street food vendors helped create a carnival atmosphere at a sweltering Deva Stadium.

Like last week, the Blues got off to a quick start and opened the scoring on 12 minutes through a fine solo goal from Kole Hall, who won the ball in midfield, before beating two defenders to shoot past Lewis in The Saints goal. Five minutes later Chester doubled their lead as Anthony Dudley set up Kurt Willoughby who had time to pick his spot just inside the left hand post.

Both new signings Danny Devine and Kieran Coates had solid debuts having signed on Thursday. Chester are straight back into home action again on Tuesday night when Hereford visit Deva Stadium, kick-off 19.45hrs. The Bulls have started their season with a home 3-3 draw against Spennymoor Town on the opening day, followed by a 1-0 defeat at Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.

11 August 2022
TWO NEW SIGNINGS
With injuries to George Glendon and Lewis Earl taking their toll at the start of the season, Chester have quickly responded by making two new signings today. Joining the club is former Stoke City full-back 20-year-old Kieran Coates. Coates spent a loan spell at Cork City last season and left The Potters a the end of last season.

Also joining the Blues is 24-year-old midfielder Danny Devine. Devine has been at Carlisle United where he made 28 appearances over the last two seasons. Prior to that he made 30 appearances for Bradford City having been a product of the Bantams Academy.

8 August 2022
LATE GOAL DENIES BLUES VICTORY
Chester were forced to settle for a point after their opening day match at Alfreton Town finished all square at 2-2. The Blues had taken the lead on 16 minutes through a Kurt Willoughby header, and doubled their advantage six minutes later thanks to a powerful Joe Lynch volley.

Summer signing from Chesterfield Tommy Denton reduced the arrears on 28 minutes, before defender Kevin Roberts was forced off with an injury just before half-time. Denton scored a controversial equaliser on 90+2 minutes, with the assistant referee flagging a goal after goalkeeper Harry Tyrer had initially made a save with the ball near the goalline.

Manager Calum McIntyre told Chester TV after the match: “I was pleased with the level of performance. It was a challenging week in the build up, I think that is reflected in the fact I have not had to select a squad yet to be honest. We had 16 players available and we went with 16.” “I thought the type of performance we tried to put on was reflective of what we want to be. I thought we were very good in the first half, good value for a two-goal lead.”

Chester start their home campaign on Saturday when Brackley Town visit Deva Stadium, kick-off 15.00hrs. Pre-match there will be live music from 13.00hrs by local music duo ‘Nath N Josh’ at the Blues Bar, there will also be the Dough & Go food van, as well as Planet Doughnut and Ginger Cat Coffee providing refreshments.

3 August 2022
PRE-SEASON PHOTOGRAPH
The club held their pre-season press day yesterday and photographer Rick Matthews was on hand to take the official team photograph for the coming season. Two players unable to be there were Darren Stephenson and loan signing Lewis Coulton.

Back Row (L-R): Iwan Murray, Jamie Morgan, Reece Daly, Sam Turner, Kole Hall, Lloyd-Marsh-Hughes, Ollie Heywood, Joe Lynch.
Middle Row (L-R): Jimmy Soul (Kitman), Lewis Earl, Liam Edwards, Adam Thomas, Harry Tyrer, Joe Smith, Wyll Stanway, Matty Williams, Zack Clarke, Anthony Dudley.
Front Row (L-R): Kurt Willoughby, Harrison Burke, George Glendon, Colin Woodthorpe (Assistant Manager), Calum McIntyre (Manager), Mike Allcock (First Team Coach), Declan Weeks, Alex Kenyon, Kevin Roberts (Player/Physio).

Picture © Rick Matthews

• Player photographs

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