As the game headed into stoppage time a long clearance was met by the out rushing Gray, his first touch was heavy and his attempted clearance up field struck the onrushing Peers and looped into the net for the bizarre winning goal.

A frustrated Watson said after the match: “The only place to start is the type of goals we are conceding. Absolutely nowhere near good enough. Decision making, sense of danger, picking ups second balls, we have worked hard for our goals today, we have carved out good goals.

“And, no disrespect to the opposition, but the goals that we are conceding, some of them, and certainly the last one, are gifts. You are never going to be able to win football games and climb the table with the standard of goals that they are letting in since I have been here.

“That is stuff that is hard to correct on the training ground, that has to come from the players, from within. You have to take a hit sometimes. We were just lacking in that department all day really.

The club have today stated... “We have met with Welsh Government, Flintshire Council and Cheshire West & Chester Council, however do not yet feel that this matter has reached a definitive resolution and will be obtaining further legal advice.”

“Whilst enforcement action remains a possibility, we are not prepared to risk the security of the Club or our supporters, as such the Board have made the difficult decision to postpone this week’s home fixtures.”

“Open, constructive discussions are continuing with a shared commitment to identifying a long-term solution that recognises the unique geography and historical context of the Deva Stadium site.”

“The Board will be seeking advice in respect of the potential breaches of the Welsh Coronavirus Regulations, which legislation will be applicable to the Club in the future and to establish any implications the Welsh Government’s proposed offer of financial support may have as an English football club.”

“We are a supporter-owned, community football club and the events of recent days have been especially challenging, therefore we are extremely grateful to our fans for their unwavering support.”

“The Board also wishes to place on record our thanks to the National League, Brackley Town and FC Halifax Town for their understanding and cooperation.”

During this meeting, the Club was given a joint letter on behalf of North Wales Police and Flintshire County Council which outlines potential breaches of Welsh Coronavirus Regulations at our fixtures on 28th December 2021 and 2nd January 2022.

It also states the Club may commit further potential breaches if it continues to play home fixtures with crowds while the current restrictions in Wales remain in place.

We were informed this was based upon direction from the Welsh Government that the premises of Chester Football Club are governed by the Welsh Regulations. The Welsh Government was not represented at the meeting.

It was agreed that all parties would seek further legal advice given the complex issues and future implications of any outcome.

Defender Jamie Morgan has left Chester to step up a division and join National League side Altrincham. Morgan made 30+6 appearances for the Blues, scoring four goals in the process. Meanwhile striker Jack Redshaw has returned to Ashton United following his loan spell at Chester. Morgan said: “Thank you for everything Chester FC. I was proud to represent the club at every opportunity I got. A wonderful club with great fans and hopefully on its way to good things. There was the good and the bad but that’s what makes football exciting.”

Chester had to settle for a point as their opening game of 2022 against AFC Telford United ended 1-1 at Deva Stadium yesterday. The Blues had taken the lead through a fine Paddy Lacey header on 36 minutes and took that lead into the half-time break. The game took a twist three minutes into the second half as Simon Grand was sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Jason Oswell. The resulting free-kick was converted by Brendon Daniels to draw Telford level.

Despite being a man down Chester continued to create chances and introduced Zack Clarke from the bench for a league debut. The visitors had a golden chance to claim all three points in the last minute after being awarded a penalty following a hand ball from a corner. Up stepped Bucks substitute Carl Baker who smashed the spot-kick against the bar and over.

Chester are back in action with a trip to Bradford (Park Avenue) on Saturday, kick-off 15.00hrs.


Picture © Rick Matthews

• League table after this match | Match photographs | Match highlights [YouTube]