Chester dropped to tenth in the league following Saturday’s late 2-1 home defeat by Gateshead. Jordan Preston gave the visitor’s the lead on 12 minutes which they held comfortably, without adding to their advantage, until half time.

It was different story after the break with Chester responding well and they drew level on 52 minutes thanks to a Simon Grand header, from George Glendon’s, cross finding the net. Both sides had chances to win the game but the breakthrough came four minutes from time as Grand’s back pass was intercepted by substitute Macaulay Langstaff who scored to give The Heed all three points.

Joint manager Anthony Johnson said: “He’s just made a mistake and we’ve been punished. It’s a difficult one, what we want to be in terms of playing out from the back comes from him. Unfortunately, he’s made a big mistake and the lad has scored, he knows that.” “Grandy is the way that he is, we can’t coach a 36-year-old centre back what’s right and wrong. It’s the nature of his game, he’s admitted he should’ve cleared it, but he thought better. He’s done it before and he’ll do it again, hopefully not in the last few minutes and it won’t cost us the game.”

“They were miles better than us first half, miles better. When we went up there last year, I thought they were the best team we’ve played against. That is a well-coached team, they’re full time, got a manager who’s played in the Premier League, they’re a good side.”

Chester are back in home action again on Tuesday night when they welcome 16th placed Alfreton Town, kick-off 19.45hrs.

The news today that Chester (Cheshire West & Chester) has been placed in Tier 2 from next Wednesday, means the club are now in a position to welcome back a limited number of socially-distanced supporters to matches. The aim is to admit fans to the home game against Hereford on Tuesday 8 December. There is much to sort out before then though.

The club released the following statement today.

“Following today’s announcement that Cheshire West & Chester has been placed in Tier 2, Chester Football Club can now look forward to welcoming our fans back to the Deva Stadium.

A significant amount of work has already been undertaken in preparation for the safe return of supporters. The club will review the updated guidance in conjunction with the National League and the Safety Advisory Group to determine the socially distanced capacity and gain approval for the new matchday protocols.

Subject to the above, it is hoped a limited number of supporters will be permitted to attend the home match with Hereford on Tuesday, 8 December.

Your absence has been greatly felt over the last nine months and we will provide further updates over the coming days in preparation for your return. This will include arrangements for collecting season ticket cards and we wish to remind supporters the ticket office remains closed at present.

Our overriding priority is the health and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff, players and fans, and this guides every decision we make. Please continue to keep safe, follow the latest Government guidelines and play your part in reducing the infection rate across Chester & Cheshire West.

Picture © Rick Matthews

Picture © Rick Matthews

Former striker Trevor Phillips has sadly passed away at the age of 68. He was the club’s record signing when Alan Oakes bought him from Hull City for £35,000 in March 1980 and went on to make 82 league and cup appearances for the club, in two separate spells, scoring 13 goals. • Obituary

Picture © Rick Matthews