27 February 2023
LATE DRAMA SEES BLUES MOVE FIFTH
Kurt Willoughby notched his 23rd goal of the season in the third minute of added time on Saturday to give Chester a dramatic victory, and a first one ever, at Horsfall Stadium.

The Blues gave a long-awaited debut to Lewis Earl in defence, one of three changes from the side that drew at Gloucester City in midweek. Anthony Dudley and Jamie Morgan also started at the expense of Kieran Coates, Rhys Hughes and Liam Edwards.

Hosts Bradford (Park Avenue) had taken a second minute lead on the artificial pitch through Simon Richman and looked to be heading for three vital points to boost their relegation survival.

But with nine minutes remaining Charlie Caton headed home the equaliser, and with the game drifting into added time Caton turned provider heading back Adam Thomas’ right wing cross for Willoughby to head home from six yards to start wild scenes of celebration.

Chester are back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Edgar Street to play Hereford, kick-off 19.45hrs.

Chester had o be content with a share of the points as they drew 1-1 at Gloucester City on Tuesday night. After a scrappy first half the game came to life after the break. Substitute Adam Thomas made an immediate impact on the hour mark putting the Blues ahead with his first touch, volleying home from a Declan Weeks corner.

Kurt Willoughby had a great chance to double the lead but headed just wide from six yards out, and Charlie Caton saw an effort cleared off the line.

Gloucester, who were playing their 4,000 league fixture, drew level on 78 minutes as Jack James’ low cross from the right was pushed away by Harry Tyrer but the ball hit Kieran Coates and deflected into his own net.

With one minute remaining Chester created one more chance to grab all three points, but after a smart build up Ollie Heywood's cross was met by Iwan Roberts but his shot went agonisingly the wrong side of the post from three yards out.

Once again Chester scored what proved to be a crucial goal in added time on Saturday. With the game heading for a goalless draw, captain Declan Weeks’ effort brought vital three points at home to Boston United and complete the double over The Pilgrims. His turn and shot from the edge of the box weaved its way through a crowd of players and in off the post to the delight of another 2,000+ crowd. The victory lifts the Blues up to fifth ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Gloucester City, the first of three successive away matches.

Chester’s impressive 17 match unbeaten league run, that stretched back to 8 October, came to an end on Saturday with a 2-1 home defeat to Spennymoor Town. Manager Calum McIntyre made two changes to the side held at home by Alfreton town in midweek, in came Anthony Dudley and Harrison Burke at the expense of Charlie Caton and and Iwan Murray who started on the bench.

The Blues created plenty of chances in the opening period with Dudley forcing the first save from Dan Langley in the opposition goal. It was the visitors who opened the scoring though on 12 minutes through Paul Blackett, turning home Wombwell’s cross. Burke almost provided an instant equaliser though his effort was cleared off the line by Langley.

Langley was in fine form denying both Dudley and Declan Weeks as the Blues pressed for parity, and again just before half time saving from both Kieran Coates and Kurt Willoughby.

Spennymoor doubled their lead 20 minutes into the second period as dangerman Glen Taylor met Corey McKeown’s cross to score past Harry Tyrer. Chester pulled a goal back 13 minutes form time as Matty Williams saw his header handled in the penalty area and Willoughby stepped up to despatch the spot-kick.

Chester had a great chance to draw level in the dying minutes as a Weeks cross found Coates at the back post but his effort missed the target, and that proved to be the last action of the game.

Saturday’s match was the seventh successive home game with a crowd of over 2,000. The Blues now head to Kings Lynn Town on Saturday, the Linnets currently sit top of the league on goal difference from AFC Fylde.