September 2007 News

27 September 2007
CITY LOOK TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS

City make the short journey across the county tomorrow to play Macclesfield Town a Moss Rose. Manager Bobby Williamson has doubts over three players as James Vaughan, Chris Holroyd and Kevin Roberts all have knocks. After the disappointment of last Saturday’s defeat against Brentford, City will be looking to contine their fine away form that has brought two wins and a draw so far this season.

There are three ex-Blues in the Macc squad with Carl Regan, Luke Dimech and Kevin McIntyre all looking to put one over their former club, while Chester’s summer signing John Murphy (left) will be looking to do likewise.

Ahead of the Cheshire clash manager Williamson said: “The games are coming thick and fast but we’ve got a squad of players and everybody should feel that they’ve got an opportunity to play. I’ve got a decision to make on Saturday over what team I go with because we’ve lost the last game. So it’s all back in the melting pot and hopefully I can pick the right team to get a result.”

The Silkmen currently lie 16th in League Two with eight points from seven games and they are also without a win in their opening three home matches. manager ian brightwell will be withough three long-term absentees in Nick Blackman, Andrew Teague and Jamie Tolley.

Picture © Evening Leader

27 September 2007
RESERVES WINNING RUN CONTINUES

A hat-trick from Mark McManus (left) and a strike from Neil Carroll gave the reserves a 4-2 victory at Carlisle United yesterday. The Blues have now won their last four matches. However young defender Kevin Roberts picked up a badly swollen ankle injury and is doubtful for Saturday’s League Two match at Cheshire neighbours Macclesfield Town.

Picture © Evening Leader

24 September 2007
HOME DEFEAT FOR CITY

City suffered a second successive home defeat on Saturday as Brentford went away with a 2-0 victory again the Blues. Two second half goals were enough to drop City three places in League Two and send the fans home frustrated after another display of missed opportunities. Manager Bobby Williamson played Phil Bolland in defence again and with James Vaughan injured there was a first start of the season for Simon Marples. The Bees took the lead on 53 minutes through Lee Thorpe who was first to pounce in the six yard box as the City defence failed to clear a cross and the game was wrapped up in the final minute as Sammy Moore raced through onto Ide's through pass to beat exposed John Danby with ease from close range.

Manager Williamson was left as frustrated as the supporters after the defeat. He said: “I think every Chester fan was frustrated with our defeat. We didn’t do enough to win the game by any stretch of the imagination. We had lots of possession, but the quality of crosses into the box wasn’t good enough, and when we did create opportunities we weren't capable of taking them.”

“If you play the way we did that’s what happens – you're not going to win football matches and that was the case against Brentford. Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind towards the end of games and get caught, as we did, but I’d rather do that than just sit back and defend and lose out 1-0.”

“I’d much rather have a go and lose 2-0. That was the first time we’ve lost out by two goals this season, especially at home, and that’s disappointing because the fans have come out in good numbers and we’ve not given them any encouragement to come back.”

Picture © Evening Leader

EXILES PREDICTION COMPETITION

This year’s competition form is available to download from here. Please get as many people as you can to enter, there is no limit to the number of entries people can submit and £100 is up for grabs.

DEADLINE: 30 September 2007

• Competition rules

21 September 2007
DEFENSIVE DECISION

Chester entertain Brentford at home tomorrow looking to continue where they left off at Gigg Lane on Saturday. The Blues picked up three points after a commanding win at Bury and manager Bobby Williamson will be looking for more of the same as The Bees make their first trip to Chester since April 1999. Brentford, now manager by former England International Terry Butcher, were relegated last season and currently lie mid table with an almost identical home and away record. On their travels they have won 1 (Bury), drawn 1 (Notts County) and lost at Wycombe Wanderers. Sammy Moore returns for the Bees following suspension while captain John Mackie faces a late fitness test.

Blues manager Williamson must decide whether to recall Paul Linwood, now available again after suspension, or keep faith with Phil Bolland who deputised so well at Gigg Lane. “I’m looking for performances like Phil Bolland gave at Bury. Phil did well after he was kicking his heels on the sidelines. He’s been patient, he’s worked very hard, and he’s waited for his opportunity to come along. I did tell all the guys in our squad that were left out at the start of the season that they would get an opportunity. Phil Bolland is a very good professional. He works hard and he likes to help our younger players, and that’s exactly the type of player I’m looking for. Paul Linwood was unfortunately sent off against Morecambe – it wasn’t my decision, but he’s suffered and Phil has come in and done well. Now I’ve got to decide who will play tomorrow.”

• Brentford’s last visit

20 September 2007
RESERVES WIN AGAIN
Goals from Chris Holroyd and Kevin Roberts gave the reserves a 2-1 win at Rochdale yesterday and they now move second in the Pontins Holiday League Division One West.

• Pontins Holiday League table

19 September 2007
SHREWS TICKET SALES
Tickets for the home game against Shrewsbury Town on Sunday 7 October, kick-off 12:00hrs will go on sale at the Deva Stadium ticket office this week at the following times:

Thursday 20 September for valid TRUEBLUE card holders only 1000 –1600hrs
Friday 21 September 1000 – 1600hrs
Saturday 22 Septmber – after Brentford Match
Monday 24 September 1000 – 1600hrs
Tuesday 25 September 1000 – 1600hrs
Wednesday 26 September 1000 – 1600hrs
Thursday 27 September 1000 – 1600hrs
Friday 28 September 1000 – 1600hrs
Monday 1 October 1000 – 1600hrs
Tuesday 2 October 1000 – 12.00hrs
Wednesday 3 October 1000 – 1900hrs
Thursday 4 October 1000 – 1600hrs
Friday 5 October 1000 – 1600hrs

17 September 2007
PHIL HAPPY WITH RETURN

Blues manager Bobby Williamson opted for experience on Saturday picking Phil Bolland to replace the suspended Paul Linwood as City comfortably beat Bury 2-0 at Gigg Lane to move fourth in League Two. Bolland, making his 179th appearance in a City shirt has not featured at all in the first team squad since the arrival of Williamson in the summer and took his chance to impress at Gigg Lane.

Bolland said: “Obviously, you want to be playing every game but I’ve sat and waited. I’ve wanted to stay and prove myself. I’m just happy that we’ve won and I’ve given a good account of myself. That’s all I can do. It was unfortunate for Linny (Paul Linwood) to be sent off in the Morecambe game because he’s been one of our better and one of our more consistent players since the start of the season. But that’s the way it goes sometimes in football and you’ve got to take a chance when you can.”

Picture © Evening Leader

14 September 2007
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

City travel the short distance to play Bury tomorrow, kick-off 15:00hrs looking to get back to winning ways. Chester will be without the services of Paul Linwood who serves a one match ban following his red card last Friday in the defeat against Morecambe. Manager Bobby Williamson is likely to replace him with either the experienced Phil Bolland, who has yet to feature at all this season, Kevin Sandwith, or youngster Kevin Roberts.

Williamson said: “Somebody’s got an opportunity to fill the breach and it’s up to that person to stake a claim and show me he’s capable of keeping Paul out of the team. If he does that, I’ll be delighted. Disappointed for Paul, but delighted. Kevin Roberts is one we could call upon, Phil Bolland’s another. Sandwith’s another so we’ve got options and I’ll decide soon who merits it.”

The Gigg Lane side currently lie 20th in League Two and have yet to register a home League win this season. The Shakers have lost their last three matches and may welcome Glynn Hurst back after missing the 3-1 away defeat by Chesterfield through illness.

13 September 2007
GORDON’S CHARITY RUN
Chester City fan Gordon Hill is taking part in a charity run to raise money for Cancer Research UK at a 10K run at Loseley Park on 16 September. Gordon is running in memory of his dad and also for former Exiles secretary Alan Wilkes both of whom died of Cancer. Gordon is hoping to reach, and beat, a fundraising target of £250. If you would like to donate to his cause or read some more information please check his page here.

12 September 2007
RESERVES VICTORY
Goals from Paul Rutherford and Nathan Lowndes gave the reserves a 2-1 home win over Preston North End this afternoon.

9 September 2007
TROPHY DRAW
City have been drawn away to Carlisle United in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. The game should take place in the week commencing 8 October.

DEFEAT FOR CITY

The Blues suffered their first League defeat of the season on Friday night as Morecambe snatched all three points at Deva Stadium with a last minute penalty. Defender Paul Linwood upended Matthew Blinkhorn deep into injury time and picked up a red card in the process, he’s expected to miss Saturday’s trip to Bury as a result. Carl Baker converted the spot kick to the delight of the 600 travelling fans. It was a case of missed opportunities for City who created several opening after the break but failed to convert. The defeat leaves Chester fifth in League Two.

After the defeat manager Bobby Williamson said: “They had better chances than us, but you have got to expect that when teams are hitting you in the counter attack and they certainly done that at times. They came here with five across the middle, played out for an hour and then changed it and went with two up and they got the result.”

He continued: “The players will be hurting just now, but it is upto us to come back and play better, it’s hard to think about the positives just now you dwell on the negatives when you lose by a goal on the last kick of the ball really, our finishing was poor but thankfully theirs was poor when they got into decent situations, it is very painful at the moment.”

Picture © Evening Leader

7 September 2007
DINNING POISED TO SIGN
City look set to sign the former Stockport County midfielder Tony Dinning on a one year deal today. Dinning, 32, began his career with home town club Newcastle United before moving on to Stockport County, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Port Vale.

DANBY DOUBT FOR CITY

Goalkeeper John Danby looks set to miss tonight’s match against Morecambe (KO 19:45) after picking up an injury against Crewe in midweek. Gavin Ward looks set to deputise as the Blues welcome Morecambe to Deva Stadium. A win for City against the League newcomers will take them to the top of League Two above Shrewsbury Town.

Morecambe have had a good start to the season with away victories at Preston North End and Wolves in the Carling Cup which earned boss Sammy McIlroy the League Two Manager of the Month award. On top of that they picked up a midweek 1-0 win in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Prenton Park. In the League Morecambe currently lie tenth with one win and two draws from their opening four matches. The Shrimpers will include former Chester players Michael Twiss and Dave Artell who makes a quick return to City after leaving in the summer.

Picture © Evening Leader

5 September 2007
SPOT ON CITY

The Blues held their nerve to win a penalty shoot-out 4-3 and progress to the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after victory over Crewe Alexandra last night. Former City player Ryan Lowe gave the Ralwaymen the lead in the first half with Richie Partridge drawing City level just after the hour mark following a quick Mark Hughes free kick.

The game ended 1-1 and went into a penalty shoot-out. James Vaughan missed for City but Paul Butler, Partridge, Nathan Lowndes and John Murphy all converted to take City through after Crewe had missed two of their efforts.

After the game manager Bobby Williamson said: “I was pleased with the overall performance during the 90 minutes. I thought we played some good football, and the equaliser from Ritchie Partridge was an excellent goal.”

The draw for the second regional round will take place on Saturday morning in the Soccer AM programme on SKY TV, with the game scheduled to take place in the week commencing 8 October.

Goalkeeper John Danby picked up a head injury in the first half and was replaced at half-time by Gavin Ward. Danby later had stitches in a gash on the head and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to face Morecambe on Friday night.

Picture © Evening Leader

4 September 2007
TROPHY ACTION FOR CITY
City take a break from League action tonight when they entertain Cheshire neighbours Crewe Alexandra in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round match. The tie, which will be played to a finish tonight, will kick-off at 19:15hrs. There is reduced admission for the game with adults paying �10.00, concessions �5.00, and children �3.00.

A combined ticket covering an adult and a child under 16 years is also available for £10.00. This ticket must be purchased at the ticket office before the game.

Note: The club have announced that the Harry McNally terrace will be CLOSED for this match. Home fans must sit the the main East stand while away supporters will be housed in the smaller West stand.

3 September 2007
BATTLING POINT FOR CITY

Kevin Roberts’ first senior goal for Chester gave brought them a point at Rotherham United on Saturday to extend their unbeaten League start to the season. Roberts, who had earlier replaced Tony Grant, headed the equaliser after a first headed effort had rebounded back to him from the post following a right wing cross.

Just before the hour mark the City defence was split with a precise pass that sent Chris O’Grady through to lash the ball past an exposed John Danby for the opening goal. Danby, who penned a new contract with City on Friday, went on to make a string of fine saves to preserve the point that keeps City in second place.

Manager Bobby Williamson was pleased with the point against a club with whom he once played as a striker. he said: “We have a great desire not to lose. The first half was a non-event but I felt we deserved something from the game. I think it was a fair result because this is a difficult venue to come and pick up a point. Rotherham will win more than they lose this season, that’s for sure, but for us to pick up a point we are very pleased.”

Williamson was full of praise for goalscorer Kevin Roberts, a product of the club’s youth policy “I was really delighted for Kevin when he scored, but we didn’t expect him to score goals. Kevin is very competitive and fit, and he works hard for the cause. I felt we needed more legs in the middle of the park to get about Rotherham.”

“I feel Kevin has got that drive and determination about him for a youngster, and he’s such a good professional. When I saw him running on to get his touch to the first header it didn’t surprise me because he was determined to get there, but to actually follow that up and get to the rebound was different class.”

Picture © Evening Leader

EXILES MEMBERSHIP

The Exiles membership form for 2007/08 has been posted out to members, forms for the Prediction Competition (open to everyone) are also included with the mailing.

To help with our admin we have introduced a Standing Order form option this season which take effect on 15 September and we hope will prove popular.

If you require further copies of the forms to help with recruitment and the competition they are available in PDF format to download from here.

• Standing Order | Membership form | Prediction Competition form

Nb The membership and competition forms have two pages