30 January 2005
BLUES WELL BEATEN AS GOAL DROUGHT CONTINUES
Chester came away from their last visit to the Vetch Field with nothing as a goal either side of half-time killed off the contest and any hope City had of trying to hang on for a point against one of the promotion favourites. City went to frustrate Swansea, and for forty or so minutes the game plan seemed to be working as the Blues, without creating any clear-cut openings themselves, restricted the home side to a couple of efforts wide of the target.

However, Lee Trundle’s free-kick over the wall just before the break and a Paul Connor effort just after killed off the game as a contest with City creating nothing of note in the second 45 minutes. Paul Carden, sitting this one out in the stands thanks to his red card last week, was badly missed today. The Swans added a third later and City were thankful to a series of Chris MacKenzie saves that kept the scoreline down in the end.

Midfielder Michael Brown had to be stretchered off the field after lengthy treatment after appearing to fall on his neck as he and new signing George Elokobi both cleared an attack. Brown swallowed his tongue and suffered concussion in the incident that was quickly attended to by physio Clive Goodyear. Brown probably not be allowed to play for two weeks.

Swansea manager Kenny Jackett said following the game: “Chester made it very difficult for us and were hard to break down because there was very little space for our front men but once we were ahead there was only ever going to be one winner. They can have few complaints about the scoreline and our defence fully deserved the clean sheet.”

His Counterpart Rush said: “For 40 minutes we did very well but the goals either side of half-time were killers. The system we used was working well until the first crucial goal and although Swansea played good football my players battled away and came back into the game very well.”

Good luck to striker Darryn Stamp who has signed for Nationwide Conference side Stevenage Borough on a permanent basis.

Signed for City in August 2003 from Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee Stamp proved his worth with an impressive goal return of 20 in 38+3 matches last season including the decisive winning goal to clinch the championship against Scarborough.

Stamp formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Daryl Clare as the pair netted 50 goals in City’s title clinching season. However a pre-season injury hampered a return to the side for the start of the season and his appearances were limited to just 2+2 in the first team and 5 in the reserves, he also spent a month on loan at Kidderminster Harriers earlier in the season as he strived to regain his fitness.

Striker Kevin Rapley

Meanwhile the club are waiting to hear if Tranmere Rovers midfielder Gary Jones is coming to the Deva. Jones was given a deadline of 14:00hrs this afternoon to give a decision over a move to Chester after the two clubs agreed terms.

Ian Rush’s small squad will be stretched further with two more red cards yesterday during the 0-0 home draw against Rochdale. Striker Cortez Belle

On the two incidents yesterday, manager Ian Rush said: “I think Paul Carden was frustrated and as for Cortez Belle, I’ve looked at the video and it didn’t look a sending off”. The Blues currently top the cards charts with 67 yellow and 5 red to their name.

City’s players have finally shaken of last weeks flu bug as they prepare for the visit of Rochdale to Deva Stadium tomorrow, kick-off 15:00 hrs. However, Darren Edmondson and Darryn Stamp, who both featured for the reserves in midweek, are still unfit and will play no part tomorrow.

Manager Ian Rush was hoping to have Gary Jones on his teamsheet for the visit of Dale. The Chester-born Tranmere Rovers midfielder has had talks with City this week and an undisclosed fee has been agreed between the clubs, it would appear the decision to move rests with the player.

A second half goal from Darryn Stamp gave Chester a 1-0 victory at rivals Wrexham in the Pontins Holiday Cup last night.

City fielded a mixed side including Darren Edmondson who is recovering from a recent injury. Stamp’s headed goal ensured that City finished second in Group 6 behind Shrewsbury Town. The Blues’ only chance of progressing through to the knock-out stages though will be if they finish as one of the best placed runners-up.

City’s reserves are in Pontins Holiday Cup (group six) action tonight when they travel to the NEWI Cefn Druids’ Plaskynaston ground to play neighbours Wrexham, kick-off 19:00hrs. Admission is £3.00 (adult) £1.00 (concession).

The Blues were beaten 2-1 by Shrewsbury at the Deva in their first group match, The Shrews have also defeated Wrexham 1-0 to complete their fixtures.

With most of the first team still finding their way back from last week’s flu outbreak several fringe players are expected to be given a chance to show what they can do.

Chester may have a depleted side when they visit bottom club Cambridge United tomorrow. The BBC reports that only seven first team players are available after a flu bug hit the squad yesterday. City had their request to postpone the game refused by the Football League today. Some reserve and youth team players are expected to travel with the squad in case any players fail fitness tests ahead of the game at the Abbey Stadium.

Chairman Steve Vaughan

Ellison is no stranger to Tigers manager Peter Taylor, he took him from non-league Altrincham to Leicester City back in 2001. Taylor told the Hull Daily Mail newspaper that he wants to sign the 25-year-old left-winger in time to face Peterborough on Saturday.

“I’ve thought about it and he would be a very important player to help us push on, so that’s why I’ve gone back in. They want a couple of players on loan and it’s about £100,000 for Ellison. What happens after that with loans is separate. I’d like to get him in the squad for Saturday. He’s a strong boy and if I can get him I’d be absolutely delighted. I think we’re getting much closer.” said Taylor.

Of the two Luton Town players currently on loan, Ian Hillier and David Bayliss, it looks like City will be offering them permanent deals. Vaughan told Sky Sports: “We’re 90 percent sure that we’ll be offering them terms and once we’ve got Saturday out of the way, we’ll see if they want to join us permanently. One of the two may even sign before then. We’ve spoken to Luton and they’re happy to come to a settlement with us.”

City’s FA Cup run is over after the Blues were beaten 2-1 in the third round at Bournemouth on Saturday. Chester gave a great account of themselves, playing their best football of the season and dominating large periods of the game against League One opposition, and will look to two mistakes that eventually cost them the tie. Manager Ian Rush was forced to shuffle the squad which saw Ben Davies play at right back and Stephen Vaughan in midfield – both seemed to adapt to their new roles well.

The opening goal, against the run of play, came as City failed to clear a corner while the second was presented to the Cherries after goalkeeper Chris MacKenzine failed to hold on to a cross. Kevin Ellison pulled a goal back for City with 20 minutes remaining but try as they might City were unable to force a draw.

The team travelled down yesterday to prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup third round match with AFC Bournemouth. The club will utilising Southampton’s training facilities today as they attempt to reach the fourth round for the first time since 1986/87.

Both Michael Branch and Andy Harris miss the game, each serves a one match suspension, while there are doubts over on-loan full back Ian Hillier who hobbled off on Monday, his chances of playing are rated as 50/50. The winners of the third round tie will pocket prize money of £40,000.

The clubs have met in the competition before, back at Moss Rose in January 1991. On that occasion City were beaten by a last minute Efan Ekoku goal presented to him by a mistake from Blues goalkeeper Billy Stewart. With a gale force wind behind him, Andy Jones had given the visitors a 2-0 half time lead, but two goals in as many minutes after the break from Brian Croft dragged City back into the game before the last minute howler.

For those who can’t get to the game tomorrow you can hear live internet commentary via the FA website here.

The club have stated they they are to circulate clubs regarding the availability of striker Darryn Stamp. Stamp, who scored 20 goals last season, has made just 3+2 first team appearances for City this season and played five games on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in November. On his return he was injured playing for the reserves and hasn’t featured since. One of Stamp’s former clubs Scarborough enquired about the players availability recently and could be expected to renew their interest.

City will feel hard done by at losing all three points against Lincoln City on Monday but they only have themselves to blame for some slack defending that presented substitute Simon Yeo a 92nd minute winner. A draw would have been a fair result as both sides cancelled themselves out in a dour game that did little to excite the 2,800 bank holiday crowd. The few chances that City did create fell to Cortez Belle early on and increasingly, as the match wore on, to Kevin Ellison.

“I thought we were mugged. It wasn’t a great game, but I thought we done enough to at least get a share of the spoils. We had chances, and it just shows you unfortunately what happens when you don’t take your chances.” said manager Ian Rush after the defeat.

City kick-off 2005 with an away trip to Cheshire rivals Macclesfield Town this afternoon. The game was originally billed as all-ticket but this is not now the case and supporters who haven’t pre-bought tickets can pay at the turnstiles. The Silkmen are enjoying a successful season and are currently fifth in League Two with 38 points, 12 more than City. The Blues will be without Wayne Brown, Darren Edmondson and Richard Hope who are sidelined through injury. Kevin McIntyre, who signed for Macclesfield last week, will not be allowed to play against his former club today due to a clause in his contract.

Manager Ian Rush will be hoping for a repeat of the performance that saw the Blues beat Macc 1-0 in his first home game in charge at Deva Stadium back in early September. On that occasion it took a last minute goal from Danny Collins to bring City all three points.