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31
March 2007
DEFENSIVE ERRORS COST CITY AS BOLLAND SEES RED
Three
defensive errors were punished as City were beaten 3-0 at Hartlepool United last
night. The Blues got off to the worst possible start conceding to a free header
from Richie Barker after just three minutes. After weathering more home pressure
City came back into the game well and should have drawn level only for Dean Bennett
to see a shot from six yards saved by Dimitrios Konstantopoulos in the home goal
after Paul Linwood’s goal-bound header had been cleared off the line. The
Blues conceded again on 26 minutes with Andy Monkhouse left in far too much space
at the back post converted from a Barker cross.
City could count themselves unfortunate
not to be level at the break, but things took a further
turn for the worse when Phil Bolland was sent-off for
a second yellow card on 69 minutes. The resulting free-kick
saw Hartlepool seal the points with a third goal through
Ben Clark.
Following the game City manager Mark
Wright said: “That wasn’t a 3-0 scoreline,
and at half-time I felt we should have been in the
lead because we had three or four good chances. I was
pleased with a lot of what happened for us, which may
sound double Dutch after a 3-0 defeat. Hartlepool are
a good side, no doubt about that, but we paid for silly
mistakes and were two down when we should have been
in front. The sending off was a cruel decision and
it changed the game in many respects but football is
a cruel game.
But what I’m really disappointed
about is that during the first half they couldn’t
break us and it was ourselves who hurt ourselves. I don’t
think Hartlepool really hurt us. When we went down to
10 men they were bound to have little bits and pieces
where they were going to pop in behind us. But I think
Hartlepool showed us a little bit of respect when they
were 2-0 up and decided to go to a 4-5-1 formation.”
Picture � Evening
Leader
30 March 2007
YOUTH OR EXPERIENCE?
The
Blues travel to Hartlepool for tonigth’s
only League Two fixture looking to build on last
weeks 2-0 home win over
Barnet.
City introduced
three young players to the starting line-up against
the Bees and it paid dividends to produce the best
display for weeks. Against Hartlepool manager Mark
Wright must decide whether to stick to last weeks
winning formula or to bring in more experienced
players who have failed to produce the goods in
recent weeks. Paul Rutherford (left), Chris Holroyd
and
James Vaughan will
all be keen to keep their place for what appears
to be
a hard task against the League Two leaders.
Hartlepool will have two long
term injured players, Joel Porter and Willie Boland,
back in contention while City will be without Simon
Marples. United have lost just once in their last
24 matches (in the FA Cup at Macclesfield), a great
run that has seen them rise from mid table to five
points clear at the top.
Wright said: “Everybody is
saying that Hartlepool's 22-match unbeaten run will
have to
come to an end,
but has it? I'm not so sure that’s true because
they are on such a high and have such a good strong
athletic
side. I suppose the old saying goes that everything
must come to an end, and it would be great if it did
for
us because it’s three points that we want.”
The two sides last
met in October when goals from the now departed
Ashley Westwood and Jon Walters gave City a 2-1
victory.
Picture � Evening Leader
SHREWSBURY
TICKETS
Tickets for the home
match against Shrewsbury Town on Sunday 15 April
(12.00) will go on sale at Deva Stadium next week.
Season Ticket
holders do not need a further ticket, however those
who have Season Tickets in the West stand will be
relocated, and compensated, as these seats are being
given over to Shrewsbury.
Tickets will go on sale from
the club ticket office at the following times.
Tuesday April 3rd — 10.00
till 19.00hrs
Wednesday April 4th — 10.00 till
16.00hrs
Thursday April 5th — 10.00 till
16.00hrs
Good Friday April 6th — After
the Darlington game
28
March 2007
RESERVES BEATEN
Despite taking a two goal
lead though Paul McManus and Alex Meechan the reserves
were beaten 4-2 at Preston North End yesterday.
Chester City: Palethorpe, Roberts,
Newton, Allen (Gregory, 46), Kelly, Carroll (Morgan,
85), Rule, Cronin, McManus (Barnes, 88), Meehan, Smith.
Subs not used: Vernon, Felliciello.
SMOKING BAN
The public smoking ban
comes into effect at Deva Stadium on 2 April. From
that day the club shop, executive club, social club
and stadium, including stands and terraces will be
smoke free.
MAYLETT TO DECIDE
On-loan Midfielder Brad
Maylett has been told he can choose whether to return
to Boston United or stay at City for the remainder
of the season. The Pilgrims have a serious injury crisis
and have asked City for permission to recall the player
who has scored one goal in 3+2 appearances for the
Blues.
27 March 2007
VANDALS STRIKE AT DEVA
Vandals have caused thousands
of pounds worth of damage at Deva Stadium after apparently
breaking into the ground on Sunday night and wrecking
the toilet block on the Harry McNally Terrace. Toilets
and sinks were smashed to pieces and piping was ripped
out. Club officials found the devastation on Monday
morning and CCTV footage shows two youths on bikes riding
into the ground and entering the Harry McNally terrace.
Anyone with information about the vandalism
should call 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers anonymously
on 0800 555 111.
26 March 2007
WRIGHT PRAISES YOUNGSTERS
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City recorded
their first win in seven matches and as three
of their younger players took to the field against
Barnet and acquitted themselves well. Midfielder
Paul Rutherford, making his League debut, had
an outstanding game in midfield, Chris Holroyd
making his second start set-up Jamie Hand for
the second goal and there was also a League
debut for James Vaughan in defence.
Manager Mark Wright
was quick to praise the contribution of the
young players. He said: “I thought the
youngsters who came in did extremely well. The
experience will have done all three of them
the world of good. The way Barnet started, I
thought it was going to be a long afternoon,
but once we got the first goal we settled well.
Paul Rutherford’s performance was a breath
of fresh air for us because he showed he is
a player who wants to go beyond midfield and
take people on. It was shame he got a knock
at the end of the game because we didn’t
really want to take him off. We wanted him
to
feature for 90 minutes.”
Phil Bolland headed the
Blues in front on the stroke of half-time with
Jamie Hand drilling home the second on 58 minutes.
The victory lifts the Blues to 13th in League
Two and they are next in action on Friday night
when they travel to table toppers Hartlepool United,
kick-off 19:45hrs.
Picture � Evening
Leader |
23 March 2007
MARPLES INJURY BLOW
Defender
Simon Marples (left) misses tomorrow’s home League
Two match against Barnet and may be out for up to a
month after breaking a toe in training this week. Marples
joins an injury list that already contains Royce Brownlie
and Graham Allen who both have calf injuries and Dean
Bennett who has a thigh injury. Should Bennett not be
fit for tomorrow there could be a place in the starting
line-up for Paul Rutherford.
City have dropped down the table after failing to win
in six matches and manager Mark Wright has come in for
criticism for the style of play seen over recent games.
He said: “We are doing everything we can to give
the fans what they want. At this moment in time, the
players that we’ve got are just falling a bit
short. But they are going to be revved up for the weekend
and they are going to go out and have a real good go.”
The Bees lie two places and
one pont below City and will be looking for the double
having beaten the Blues 1-0
at Underhill in October.
That game saw two controversial penalties awarded
to the home side and after the referee was surrounded
on
two
occasions
the club were fined £1,000
by the FA and warned as to their future conduct after
admitting a charge of failing to ensure its players
conducted
themselves in an orderly fashion.
Once again Children aged 12
and under will be admitted free of charge in The
West Stand if accompanied by a paying adult, this
is on a one for one basis i.e. one free child with
one paying adult, additional children will be charged £6.00.
Tickets must be pre purchased from the ticket office.
Tickets will be sold from 10.00 -16.00 today
and tomorrow from 10.00 until kick-off.
Picture � Evening
Leader
DEADLINE DAY BLANK
There were no comings
or goings on the deadline day for loan transfers.
The Blues had been hoping to secure the services
of a striker ahead of Saturday’s match with
Barnet but were unable to find a suitable available
player.
Manager Mark Wright said: “No club at this stage of the season is wanting
to realise players. Graham Barrow and myself have worked tirelessly trying to
find
a player who can do a good job here, we have left no stone unturned, but nobody
seems to be available.”
21
March 2007
RESERVES DEFEAT
The reserve side lost
at home 1-0 to Bury this afternoon in their latest
Pontins
Holiday League fixture. The Shakers’ winner coming
two minutes from time.
AGM POSTPONED
The football club have
announced that their Annual General Meeting scheduled
for 29 March has been postponed. A new date will be
announced to shareholders as soon as possible.
19 March 2007
WRIGHT: POOREST REFEREEING DISPLAY I HAVE EVER SEEN
The
Blues’ poor home run continued on Friday night
as they conceded the only goal of the game through Louis
Dodds after just four minutes and missed a number of
chances late in the game to draw level.
The match took place in front of another low Friday
night crowd of 2,197 – of which 683 were Rochdale
fans. This attendance is over 2,000 down on the corresponding
Friday match last season.
Wright said: “I thought we deserved at least a
draw. We should have had at least two penalties, possibly
three. It was all very disappointing. I do not want
to keep going on about referees but if I had to make
a comment, I think it is the poorest refereeing display
I have seen in football. Our goalkeeper John Danby could
have pulled up an armchair in the second half because
he had so little to do.”
Wright
added: “Graham Barrow and I were very disappointed
to hear the crowd chanting ‘you don't know what
you're doing,’ when Brad came off. When Brad came
off the keeper pulled off a top class save, we had a
shot cleared off the line, and the ball also hit the
crossbar. We know Brad
is a good player, but we had to play more direct, use
the windy conditions, and go after them. Graham and
I were disappointed by the response from the crowd,
but we’re not upset because we just have to get
on with it.”
With just four goals and six
points from the last eight home matches, four
of which
were against teams lower down the division,
both manager and chairman are looking yet again to
dip into the loan
transfer market before Thursday’s deadline
for another striker.
With this latest defeat City dropped to 16th in League
Two and will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when
Barnet travel to Deva Stadium.
Picture � Evening Leader
16 March 2007
STRIKER PASSED FIT
Striker Simon Yeo has
been passed fit to play against Rochdale tonight. He
is joined up front by Royce Brownlie. Lee Steele and
Chris Holroyd who started at Walsall are both relegated
to the bench.
YEO STILL SIDELINED?
City
look likely to be without the services of Simon Yeo
once again as they prepare to take on Rochdale tonight
at Deva Stadium (kick-off 19:45). The striker who was
injured in the game with Torquay United a fortnight
ago is still receiving treatment on his injured ankle.
Another doubt is Dean Bennett who limped off at Walsall
last Saturday with a thigh injury.
Visitors Rochdale have Nathan Stanton
returning from suspension while defender Rory McArdle
is also available after recovering from a knock. the
Dale are currently 18th in the table, four points
behind City but with two games in hand and are currently
seven games unbeaten.
The two sides drew 0-0 when they last
met at Spotland in October 2006.
Chester are holding another “Kid’s
For Free” offer for tonight’s game, with
children under 12 years of age being admitted free of
charge to the west stand if accompanied by a paying
adult. Tickets must be pre-purchased and can be obtained
from the Deva Stadium ticket office between 10.00 and
kick-off. Additional children being charged £6.00
to get in.
Picture � Evening Leader
15 March 2007
RESERVES WIN AGAIN
The reserves won their
second game in succession as a Lee Steele goal after
the break was enough to beat Blackpool 1-0 at Fleetwood
Town’s ground last night. The Seasiders are currently
second in the Pontins Holiday League Division One West
with the Blues propping up the table.
• Reserves
table
KEARNEY RETURNS
Alan Kearney has returned
to Everton following his one month loan period at Deva
Stadium. He made 4+2 League Two appearances in his spell
with Chester. City chairman Stephen Vaughan said: “We
would like to thank Alan for his efforts whilst with
us and wish him well with his future career.”
12 March 2007
MORE PENALTY WOE FOR CITY
City
suffered their third successive away defeat on Saturday
losing 1-0 at promotion chasers Walsall. Once again
the Blues had John Danby to thank for a couple of great
saves that kept City in the game at times. However the
best chance of the opening period was squandered by
Lee Steele who blazed high and wide after being set-up
by Chris Holroyd, making his first start in a City shirt.
The only goal of the match came midway through the second
period after a City player was adjudged to have handled
the ball in the area following a free-kick. The resulting
penalty was drilled home by Dean Keates to give Danby
no chance. The Blues did created two efforts in as many
minutes as first Steele turned and shot straight at
Clayton Ince and then Holroyd made space for himself,
turned and fired in a low shot across goal that was
well saved low down. This latest defeat drops City two
places to 14th in League Two. Manager
Mark Wright was unhappy with the quality of finishing
at Bescot Stadium, he said following the latest defeat:
“It is criminal when you miss the kind of chances
we did If you had given Walsall one of those chances
it would have been in the back of our net. It just isn’t
falling for us and that needs to change.”
City’s record striker Stuart Rimmer, who went
on to play for Walsall later in his career, was introduced
to the crowd at half-time as part of a Coca-Cola promotion
(above).
Picture: Carol Mansley
9 March 2007
VAUGHAN HITS BACK
Club
chairman Steve Vaughan has hit back after plans were
leaked yesterday that he had made enquiries with the
FA with regard to possibly changing the name of the
football club to Chester-Halton. Vaughan, increasingly
frustrated by what he sees is a lack of support from
the City Council over the inflexibility of conditions
on the Deva Stadium lease, hit out:“Chester City
Council haven’t done a thing for this football
club. At times you wonder if they want a football club
at all, so why should we promote them? I am considering
ways of broadening the appeal and obviously the fan-base
of the club. Part of our ground is in Flintshire, possibly
it could be called Chester-Flint, or Chester-Ellesmere
Port.”
However the suggestion of a name
change has quite rightly angered many supporters
who
would see this as the thin end of the wedge to a
possible relocation of the club, an idea Vaughan
called “laughable”.
The chairman sites the possible renaming as “One
of many marketing initiatives that I have come up
with to expand the reach of the club’s appeal
and its marketability.”
The plans were going to be revealed at the club AGM
at the end of the month but were leaked to the press
yesterday.
“All the conspiracy theorists
are convinced that I am trying to move the club away
from the Deva Stadium. That theory is just laughable
and not on the agenda. I am in conversations with
people I trust and we are trying to come up with ways
of increasing attendances and the appeal of the club.”
Some supporters may agree with the
apparent disinterest from the council towards the
club, but suggesting a name change as a possible way
forward is clearly going to be met with fierce resistance
from an already dwindling fan-base.
Vaughan says in the Daily Post that it is a “small
section” within the supporter groups have a
negative attitude, an dismissed an official statement
from the Supporters Trust objecting to the possible
change as follows: “Apparently one group said
they couldn’t see what the strategic aim and
objective of a name change would be – it’s
that kind of Neanderthal attitude that is holding
this club back.”
Judging by the reaction of fans to the news that “section”
is not as small as he may think!
An FA spokesman yesterday confirmed
that a request had been made by Chester to change their
name to Chester-Halton, adding: “We have written
to the Football League and Cheshire FA for their views
on this. We have also asked for an explanation from
the club.”
Picture � Evening Leader
ARTELL TO RETURN?
Defender Dave Artell could
be back for the Blues tomorrow after missing the midweek
2-1 defeat at Mansfield Town with a head injury. The
Blues have a tough task as they travel to make only
their second appearance at Bescot Stadium to play second
placed Walsall. Simon Yeo has returned to training this
week following his Achilles injury but it may well be
too soon for the striker to return. Walsall defenders
Chris Westwood and Michael Dobson have returned to fitness,
while striker Par Cederqvist could make the bench after
a knee injury.
7 March 2007
RESERVES WIN
The reserves won 3-0 at
Tranmere Rovers this afternoon in a Pontins Holiday
League Division One West fixture. The City goals came
from Alex Meechan, Chris Holroyd and Francis Smith.
Chester City: Palethorpe, J.Vaughan,
Newton, Allen (Morgan 87), Kelly, Cronin, Smith (Barnes
78), Carroll (Rule 65), Holroyd, Meecham, Rutherford.
Subs not used: Vernon, McManus.
WALSALL TICKETS
Tickets for the game at
Walsall on Saturday can be pre-bought with a credit
card from the Midlands club by phone saving £1.50
on the £18.00 admission price on the day. The
ticket office is at 0870-442 0111 and tickets can be
picked up prior to the kick-off at the Bescot Stadium
Box Office.
BLUES LET LEAD SLIP AWAY
Last
night’s 2-1 defeat at Mansfield Town finally killed
off any lingering hope of making a play-off spot. Ten
points adrift of the last play-off spot. The Blues took
an early lead with a great goal from Brad Maylett, who
had a good game playing wide on the right. However Billy
Dearden’s side, who have beaten promotion hopefuls
Lincoln and Wycombe in the last week, struck back to
equalise before the break and grabbed the winning goal
eight minutes from time. In between John Danby who was
called on to block some thunderous shots at him. Defeat
at Field Mill saw City drop to 14th place.
Manager Mark Wright said after the
match: “I was disappointed with the result but
there are still things to play for. We want to finish
the season with as many points as possible. I told
the players after the match that they had to stop
feeling sorry for themselves and get over the disappointment
of the club losing players and getting beat. I thought
we started brightly but we conceded a poor first goal.
I was looking for a major lift after the break, but
our midfield didn’t track back for their second
goal. I thought we didn’t deserve to get beat,
but our keeper made a number of good saves.”
The Blues follow this with a
difficult match at second placed Walsall on Saturday.
It will be only the second visit to Bescot Stadium the
last occasion brought a 1-1 draw back in 1994.
6
March 2007
YEO SIDELINED
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Striker Simon
Yeo misses tonight’s League Two match at
Mansfield Town after suffering an achilles injury
against Torquay United on Friday night. Defender
Dave Artell who received a knock to the head in
the same game is expected to take to the field
against his former club while fellow defender
Simon Marples remains doubtful. Mansfield, managed
by former Chester player Billy Dearden, welcome
back on-loan striker Martin Gritton to the side
that won 2-1 at promotion hopefuls Lincoln City
on Saturday. The two sides last
met at Deva Stadium in January with the points
being shared following a 1-1 draw.
Picture � Evening
Leader
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5 March 2007
CITY FINED ONCE AGAIN
The
club have received a fine of £8,000 from the Football
Association after the had admitted a breach of FA rule
E20(a) – failing to ensure their players conducted
themselves in an orderly fashion.
The charge relates to the home game against Milton Keynes
Dons last December. However, £5,000 of the fine
has been suspended for 12 months.
This is the third time this year the club have been
found guilty of breaching the rule. In January they
were fined £1,000 for the offence at Barnet back
in October, and last month they were fined (along with
Shrewsbury Town) £3,000 following the infamous
mass brawl at the end of the match between the teams
back in November at Gay Meadow.
3 March 2007
BLUES PAY THE PENALTY
Chester
were left to rue a string of missed chances as they
were pegged back at the death by Torquay United at Deva
Stadium on Friday night. The Blues had taken the lead
after the break with Dean Bennett’s first goal
in City colours. A harsh penalty in added time given
after a Bennett challenge and Lee Thorpe shot home The
Gulls’ only effort on target all night to the
delight of their 155 travelling fans.
City were forced into two changes in the opening period
as first David Artell had to be replaced following an
early head injury the Simon Yeo was forced off with
an ankle injury just before the break and City continued
with just one striker, new boy Royce Brownlie, holding
the line.
Assistant manager Graham Barrow
was as disappointed as everyone else after the latest
draw. He said: “We had a couple of chances to
finish the game after we went a goal up but we went
a bit negative and a couple of minutes of madness
at the end have cost us. I was disappointed because
we seemed to go backwards instead of forwards. However,
the way we have been defending I thought we would
win the game but from our point of view it is two
points lost.”
The Blues are next on action
on Tuesday night when they play their rearranged game
at Mansfield Town. The original fixture was postponed
just before Christmas due to a frozen pitch. Kick-off
at Field Mill is 19:45hrs.
Picture � Evening Leader
2 March 2007
HOLROYD MAY START FOR CITY
City
are in action tonight when bottom club Torquay United
visit Deva Stadium. It will mean a first return for
Gulls coach Keith Curle following his departure from
City last season.
City may give a first start to youngster Chris Holroyd
who has made 14 appearances from the bench this season
and again impressed when he came on against Hereford
United in midweek. Laurence Wilson is expected to have
recovered but there are doubts over Simon Marples who
missed the Hereford match after picking up an injury
at Swindon. Both Brad Maylett and Royce Brownlie have
now signed until the end of the season and may feature.
Torquay recently appointed former City manager Keith
Curle as their Head Coach to work alongside Colin Lee.
The Gulls signed three players yesterday who, should
the paperwork be completed on time, could feature tonight.
They are goalkeeper Simon Rayner (Lincoln City), striker
Dean Oliver (Sheffield United) and Blades defender Chris
Robertson. Torquay are waiting on the fitness of strike
pair Lee Thorpe (illness) and Jamal Easter (knee), but
defender Stevland Angus is back after suffering a head
injury.
A last minute Roberto Martinez goal rescued a point
for City at Plainmoor the last
time two sides met back over the August Bank Holiday.
All Match Day admission prices have
been reduced by £2.00 for the match tonight.
The following prices will apply.
East Stand/West Stand
Adult £15.00, Concession £10.00, Junior
£4.00
Harry McNally Terrace
Adult £13.00, Concession £8.00, Junior £3.00
South Stand
Adult £13.00, Concession £8.00, Junior £3.00
Kids for Free Scheme
Children aged 12 and under will be admitted
free of charge in The West Stand if accompanied by
a paying adult, this is on a one for one basis i.e.
one free child with one paying adult, additional children
will be charged £4.00.
Tickets must be pre
purchased from the ticket office.
Torquay fans tonight will be seated in the West Stand.
Adult £15.00, Concession £10.00, Junior
(U16) £4.00.
DEALS COMPLETE
|
Defender
Ashley
Westwood has completed his loan move to Swindon
Town until the end of the season. Joining Chester
for the same period are Boston United midfielder
Brad
Maylett (pictured)and Swindon Town forward
Royce
Brownlie.
Picture � Evening
Leader
|
1 March 2007
YOUTH BOSS JIM HACKETT RESIGNS
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Youth team manager
Jim Hackett has resigned from his position at
Chester City. Simon Davies, the current Assistant
Head of Youth is to replace Jim with immediate
effect.
This year has been a hugely successful one for
the youth side who reached the last 16 of the
FA Youth Cup, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0
at Deva Stadium before losing at Bristol City.
The side currently lie fourth in the North West
Conference Group B, three points behind leaders
Walsall and only last Saturday reached the Northern
Area semi-final of the Youth Alliance Cup after
a 3-2 defeat of Port Vale.
Several youngsters have
broken through to the first team ranks in the
last couple of years notably Paul Rutherford,
Chris Holroyd and, although he’s yet to
make an appearance this season due to injury,
Robert Marsh-Evans.
• Youth
fixtures | Youth
league table | Youth
player stats
Picture
� Evening Leader
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TWO IN, ONE OUT?
The club are looking to
make two more emergency signings ahead of Friday’s
home game against Torquay United. They are 25 year-old
Boston midfielder Brad Maylett and Swindon Town player
Royce Brownlie. Maylett has made 3+11 appearances for
the Pilgrims this season and has been a target of Mark
Wright’s for some time. Australian-born Brownlie
has scored two goals in 9+8 appearances with Swindon
this season after joining then from Queensland Roar
last summer. Both signings should be until the end of
the season. It also looks like defender Ashley Westwood
will be heading in the other direction to the County
Ground on loan.
A QUESTION OF FOOTBALL
The ISA are holding a
Question of Football night at Deva Stadium on Thursday
8 March. Several ex-Chester players will be attending
including Stuart Rimmer, Gary Bennett, Bob Delgado,
Terry Owen, Brian Croft and Arthur Albiston. Others
may join in as well. Admission is just £5.00,
and only £4.00 for ISA members. 19.30 for 20.00
start. The evening will be chaired by Charlie Lambert.
Why not try and get along it should be an entertaining
night.
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LATEST
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NEW DATE The away match at Leamington has now been rearranged for Tuesday 10 December. |
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LAST
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LATE BURKE GOAL SAVES BLUES A late Harrison Burke equaliser rescues a point for Chester at Warrington. |
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