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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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