Wadsworth departs the Deva

The revolving door at the Deva Stadium continued in full swing today, as Mick Wadsworth became the latest in a long line of Managers to exit the club whilst working under Stephen Vaughan.

Wadsworth has only spent 94 days in the job, but that is enough for Vaughan, who has now parted company with 12 managers during his reign at the club, an absolutely shocking statistic, and one where Vaughan needs to question his own business acumen in the role as owner of Chester City FC, if indeed he is actually the owner of Chester City FC.

So, the club are heading for relegation, and now without a Manager once again, and a person totally lacking in business sense at the helm.

Oh it's such good fun being a Chester City fan.

Chester City 1 Forest Green 2

Well that was a load of garbage wasn't it?

Chester had the chance to offer themselves a semi-realistic chance of escaping the drop had they beaten a Forest Green side last night that had only just clinched their first victory of the season on Saturday.

But in true City style, they blew it thanks to a poor performance against their fellow strugglers, who on the back of this scoreline, move out of the bottom four, whilst Chester now languish 24 points from safety, and are certainly now heading towards Blue Square North football next season.

Mick Wadsworth was a frustrated man along with the rest of us last night, as Chester simply didn't turn up, amazing really considering how they battled in the draw at Wrexham on Sunday. This was another simply unacceptable showing from the Blues who deserved what they got in a shambolic first half performance, which gifted Forest Green all the space in the world to take a 2-0 lead.

You would have thought the lads would have known how much was riding on this result - maybe they thought the win would come their way with the minimum of effort, but whatever the case, they certainly under-estimated Forest Green.

The Gloucestershire outfit certainly started the busier of the two teams, and it was no surprise when Conal Platt gave them the lead with a well taken finish on 18 minutes, however, he was given all the time and space to pick his spot.

Sean Rigg then made it 2-0 eight minutes before half time with another fine effort, and that pretty much wrote City's chances off, and a crescendo of boos was heard from the home support, with another blast at half time form the unhappy 1000 City fans inside the Deva.

Kevin Roberts pulled one back for City just five minutes after the restart with a header from a corner, and hope was offered, but Gregg Blundell who came on as a substitute at half time had a chance as he chased down a ball in the penalty area, but his shot was saved by the Forest Green keeper.

That was pretty much that, and City failed to get level before the final whistle went, and the disgruntled Blues fans made their way home after yet another sorry home defeat.

Previous defeats at the Deva had been to top half sides, but this one was a game City had to win, and failed, and are now staring down the barrel of relegation.

City out to cut the Forest down

Chester City go in the search of 3 badly needed points tonight at home to Forest Green, at the Deva Stadium.

It’s a match that the Blues must win as they aim to reduce their deficit at the bottom of the Blue Square Premier League, and fresh from the draw at Wrexham on Saturday, confidence will hopefully be there as the Blues have shown that they are getting harder to beat, something they need to turn into wins though.

Forest Green arrive at the Deva having just secured their first win of the season at home to Grays on Saturday, and will be looking to improve on a record that has seen them pick up just 2 points in 6 away games, mind you one of those was at Oxford in a rare slip by the Conference leaders. That win against Grays followed 4 successive draws.

Forest Green took a thrashing at the start of the month at Cambridge, going down 7-0 and the Blues fans will hold dreams of a similar scoreline tonight, a highly unlikely one though, considering Chester are having issues scoring goals!

The Blues have lost 4 games at the Deva this season, although it could be argued that the standard of opposition in those defeats was pretty high, but one thing is certain, Chester must win this game tonight to give themselves a fighting chance of escaping the drop this season.

A win tonight and City will go to -11 points, and on to Saturday’s game at hayes & Yeading with confidence of getting into single figures.

As for City’s line up tonight, well Chris Lynch will obviously be missing following his injury in the Wrexham derby, Sean Kelly is expected to take his place, whilst in the middle, Clark Keitle will make his home debut following the loanee’s move from Rochdale, and up front there is debate over whether Gregg Blundell should start following his performance in the Wrexham game, Lloyd Ellams is on standby.

So, hopefully City will take the points tonight and City can begin to make a real challenge to escape the drop!

Wrexham 0 Chester City 0

Chester City maintained their away record, as they notched their fifth draw in a row away from the Deva, but it could have been oh so better as City missed a great opportunity to win at the Racecourse for the firts time in League football for 31 years.

Gregg Blundell contrived to miss a great chance in front of goal midway through the first half, as City pretty much dominated proceedings in the first 45 minutes of the game, but failed to take advantage, as the ball came right across the face of goal only for Blundell to side foot wide of an open goal.

City fans had given their side much backing from before the game as the 900 travelling fans got behind their side to try to back them to victory in another banter-filled local derby.

City had claims for a penalty waved away when a touch of shirt pulling was going on in the first half, as the referee decided against giving City a decision, in fact, he was quite consistent in that alright!!

Wrexham found themselves restricted to long range efforts, and raeely troubled Chester keeper John Danby, who had to be treated once again for a re-occurence of his shoulder injury.

The Blues lost Adam Lynch to a suspected cruciate injury, as he went to ground in the first 45 minutes, and had to be substituted.

City should have been 1-0 up after just 3 minutes of this encounter, as Gregg Blundell was penalised for what seemed a fair jump with the Wrexham goalkeeper, where the ball fell loose to Nick Chadwick who headed home to send the Blues fans into raptures until it was realised that the referee's whistle had gone already for a foul, which remains an unconvincing decision.

Wrexham though, did come forward in the second half, but despite a flurry of corners midway through the Second half, couldn't get past a resolute City defence, and towards the end of the game, it was Chester who were growing stronger once again, and were unlucky not to get a win from the game.

Trouble flared up outside the game, as the police made a mess of things, as both sets of fans squared up to each other, how would they cope if they had a serious crowd on their hands???

So this local derby - the only international league derby - ended in a goalless draw, but City will take heart from their performance, as they move onto -14 points, and next up is a home game on Tuesday at the Deva Stadium, against Forest Green.

City get ready for big derby

It's derby time once again as Chester & Wrexham face each other at the Racecourse Ground on Sunday, at Noon.

Chester are up against it of course, still 15 points from breaking even this season, and following Wrexham's 3-0 victory over Luton on Tuesday night, the task to get a positive result from this match seems all the more harder now.

But, the City faithful will make their way up the A483 on Sunday morning knowing that they will back the lads before, during, and hopefully after kick off.

There is talk that the players are not getting fully paid at the moment, which is shocking considering the club has only just come out of Administration, and surely goes to show that either Stephen Vaughan no longer has the funds to keep Chester City going, or even worse, is just plain refusing to put the money in, and not sell up, helping to see the club die on its feet.

But back on the pitch, we are set hopefully for a blood and thunder derby, City have to be up for this one, no doubt about it, we have seen some weak performances from the Blues this season, but they have to be strong in this one if they stand any chance of winning the game.

The last derby of course ended 2-2 at the Racecourse, with goals from Kevin Roberts - and what a beauty it was - and the other a powerful headed from ex Wrexham player Paul Linwood. How we could do with that kind of performance or result on Sunday.

News filtering through unofficially is that Chester are set to sign Rochdale midfielder Clarke Keltie, who if he signs is expected to go straight into the team on Sunday, as City look to bolster the area that is so badly missing talent.

Chester are expected to have over 500 fans backing them on Sunday, in what will surely be the lowest attended derby for some time, and is certainly the first non league derby between the two in their history, so at least some kind of history is made at the weekend, let's hope Chester get their first League win in 31 years at Wrexham.

Come on City!!

Salisbury City 1 Chester City 1

Chester's inability to net three points struck again, as they squandered a lead held against the run of play at the Ray Mac, against a Salisbury side that had also been deducted points this season.

Salisbury though had already managed to pick up 10 points prior to their 10 point deduction, and have since netted 5 points since the penalty, with this being the latest point gained.

City took the lead against the run of play just 11 minutes from time after Ben Wilkinson had struck his third goal of the season after being set up by Kevin Roberts.

The Blues though couldn't hold out, and just 3 minutes later Luke Roddick crossed and caused John Danby problems, and fell awkwardly, and Sean Clohessy knocked the ball home to level for Salisbury, whilst Danby had to receive treatment from the paramedics, and eventually left the field on a stretcher which means he is a doubt for Sunday's derby match at Wrexham.

Andrew Murphy came on and played the remaining minutes, in which Salisbury were denied a winner thanks to a flag going up for offside in the 95th and final minute of the game.

So, City are now down to -15 points, but it really could have been -13 with a better defensive mentality after the goal went in, but that's where Chester are, and whilst we've made it into double figures for this season's tally, City remain 22 points away from safety.

Chester City 0 Stevenage Borough 1

Chester once again failed to win their second successive game, no surprise as they haven't done that for over 90 games now!

Stevenage were too strong for City, and earned their win thanks to a 7th minute goal from Michael Bostwick, who volleyed home the winner, with a bit of the post and John Danby combining to send the ball into the back of the net.

Chester had no answer to Stevenage, and in fact the away side, who now move up to second in the Blue Square Premier League, hit the post just before half time.

City's best chance fell to Nick Chadwick, but his header was easily saved by keeper Chris Day, in what was a disappointing result once again for the Blues.

It means City are stuck on -16 in the table, and remain 23 points away from safety, but with one less game remaining of course.

The alarming aspect of this game, was not the result, but the fact that the numbers in the home crowd have dropped to 969, and fans who had attended in the Harry McNally Terrace ended up sitting down to watch the action, such is the lack of enthusiasm around the place right now.

So, Chester now have to pick themselves up once again, and get ready to face Salisbury tomorrow evening, before they then think of the local derby against Wrexham on Sunday, at the Racecourse.

City get ready for Stevenage test

Chester are in action tomorrow as they look to get their second successive win for the first time in over 90 games, but they'll have to beat a Stevenage side that are enjoying their BSP season so far.

Stevenage Borough have won their last 4 games, and have only been beaten once this campaign, losing at leaders Oxford United, so this will obviously be a massive test, and will show far Chester have come since Mick Wadsworth declared that his men were now match fit.

Borough are sitting third in the table on 18 points, a mere 34 points ahead of Chester's tally in the table, and came from 2-0 down at Mansfield to win 3-2, and have also seen off Eastbourne, Histon, and Rushden & Diamonds in the last 4 games.

So, a difficult game ahead for the Blues, hopefully they can build on the confidence from 4 matches in the last 5 where they have taken some kind of result, but it's certainly going to need everyone on top form if they are to make it 5 in 6.

As far as the team news is concerned, Tim Ryan, who is only 1 match away from a first suspension of the season, may still continue at left back, bit should surely be shifted to centre half, whilst Michael Lea should operate from the left, and Chris Lynch will play alongside Shaun Kelly in the middle of defence.

It's likely to be an unchanged line up in the middle, with Ben Wilkinson, Adam Kay, Kevin Roberts, and Neil Ashton being the four expected to start, although Anthony Barry could feature in there potentially, and up front Nick Chadwick will be hoping to add to his four goal tally so far, alongside Gregg Blundell, who will be looking to score in his third successive game.

The crowd will more than likely head back over the 1000 mark tomorrow with a few from Stevenage expected thanks to their current run.

Fingers crossed the Blues pick up the points.

Chester City 2 Gateshead 1

For the first time in god knows how long, I finally managed to see the Blues win at home!

Due to other events taking place, I've missed the previous wins at home to Histon, and the Boxing Day 2008 win, which up to about 10 days ago, was the last time we'd won at home!

So, the Blues managed victory over Gateshead, but it has to be said, it was a dire game, one which did not set the pulse racing one bit - well okay, maybe just one bit when Nick Chadwick headed in the winner!

The game started well for City, with Gregg Blundell scoring from the spot for his second successive game, this after he'd been brought down in the penalty area by defender Jamie Curtis, who saw red for the challenge on 19 minutes.

It was a ball over the top of the defence that saw Blundell run onto and memories came flooding back of the Matthew Gilks incident against Rochdale a few years ago that saw a season-ruining injury for the City striker, but this time he held his nerve and rounded the keeper before being brought down.

So, with Gateshead down to 10 men, the crowd werre expectant, but City couldn't get a second goal in the remaining 25minutes of the first half.

In the second half, the Blues could have lost it, a match with very little atmosphere, and Gateshead growing in confidence with City seemingly giving the ball away at every opportunity, and big striker Armand One causing havoc amongst the Chester defence.

It was no surprise in truth when Gateshead got back on level terms, just six minutes into the second half, Christoph Ascherl lofting a ball through to Mike MacKay who made no mistake from the edge of the six yard box.

Plenty of stick followed from the crowd, who were beginning to voice their displeasure at Manager, Mick Wadsworth, for failing to get a grip of the game.

John Danby was the hero in the last 20 minutes as he produced three vital reaction saves to keep Chester in the game, and in between Nick Chadwick got his head on a cross from Neil Ashton to send the ball looping over Jim Provett in the Gateshead goal.

So, thanks to Blundell, Chadwick, and especially John Danby, City registered their second home victory of the campaign, and the Blues move on to -16 points, now 23 points away from safety at the foot of the BSP.

Manager, Mick Wadsworth, was delighted with the points but acknowledged that it perhaps wasn't best he has seen from his side this season.

Next up for the Blues is a home game against Stevenage Borough on Saturday, where Chester will bid to win successive games for the first time in 90 matches.

Eastbourne Borough 1 Chester City 1

The disappointment continues for Chester fans after their side were unable to bring home the three points from the south coast.

City fell behind inside the first five minutes thanks to Kevin Roberts poor headed back pass which fell invitingly for Andy Atkin who made no mistake to put Eastbourne ahead.

The Blues levelled things up on the stroke of half time, as Gregg Blundell scored his first goal since re-signing for Chester, from the penalty spot after Neil Ashton had been brought down by Matt Crabb.

The Blues were unable to go and win the game, and in fact were under much pressure in the second half, that saw Borough strike the post a number of times.

It means then, that City are now on -19 points, but more importantly 26 points away from safety, and this is the run of games that appeared on paper to be a great chance to net points.

The next game up is Gateshead, at the Deva next Tuesday, which like most of our other games, is a must win.

Next up : Eastbourne Borough

The Blues tomorrow make the long distance to Eastbourne to see if they can get three points off the Borough.

Chester City are badly needing a win as they aim to hit their 70 points target for the season, of which right now, they have 5, which is nowhere near where we have to be.

Manager Mick Wadsworth, is likely to have a small reshuffle, and put Tim Ryan back into the centre half position, with Michael Lea heading back out to the left back position, being left footed, that would appear to be the most natural place for him to be!

Chris Lynch will no doubt partner Ryan, with the question hanging over Shaun Kelly, and whether he will be placed in the right back position, with Kevin Roberts able to fill that position, but he could find himself in midfield. Rhys Meynell could be a candidate for that right back position also.

Midfield should consist of Anthony Barry, with Ben Wilkinson & Neil Ashton and potentially Roberts, whilst up front I'd imagine we'll be seeing Gregg Blundell & Nick Chadwick, who seem to be developing a good link between them at present.

Hopefully City can get the win they need and start pushing this minus figure down to 17, which could prove to be lower, if the points deduction appeal that seems to be going through is won.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow then, Come on City!

Chester City 1 Tamworth 2

City crashed to another defeat last night as the joy from Saturday's 2-0 win was short lived as Tamworth took advantage of some sloppy defending to beat the Blues, and keep Chester rooted on -20 points.

It was Tamworth who looked the busier side in all honesty, and took a deserved lead when a pass that sliced open both Chris Lynch & Shaun Kelly fell kindly for Richard Tait who stretched out a leg and guided the ball past keeper John Danby, who really didn't need to come off his line in this instance.

Chester almost hit back immediately, when Anthony Barry fired in a shot turned round the post by the Tamworth keeper.

City should have levelled, when an effort struck the bar early in the second half, but no-one could follow up,and a drop ball was given just outside the six yard box.

The Blues fell further behind in the second half when Chris Smith had the easiest of goals to score having seen John Danby leave the ball for what he thought was going to be a goal kick, only for Tom Shaw to head back towards goal, Danby could only parry the ball back out to Smith who made no mistake from inside the 6 yard box.

City then rallied and had possibly their best spell of the game, but were guilty of missing chances for fun, one of those missed chances saw Anthony Barry screw well wide, before a misguided effort from Gregg Blundell fell kindly for Nick Chadwick who diverted the ball home to make it 2-1, and game on.

City threw everything forward, but never seemed like getting an outright chance to level matters up, that was until injury time, when substitute Adam Kay, chested a ball down inside the area, threw a dummy, but then blasted high over not just the bar, but the stand also, and City's chance to come away with a point was gone.

It was an expensive night booking wise, as Chester saw 6 players booked as Roberts, Blundell, Ellams, Lynch, Ryan, and Ashton all saw yellow.

Mick Wadsworth admitted afterwards that perhaps he was wrong to play Tim Ryan in the left back role, after being shifted to allow Shaun Kelly back in the centre half position.

In truth, a Draw was possibly what we deserved, but it's a defeat, and now City must regroup, and try to claim the points on their long trip south to Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

Vaughan's on the move?

According to sources close to Stephen Vaughan, rumours are abound that Stephen Vaughan Junior has moved to Northwich Victoria on loan, the Vics are in the Blue Square North, and like Chester, started the season on minus points, so Vaughan will feel at home on that score.

Whether he is good enough for Northwich will remain to be seen, in my opinion he isn't good enough for Chester City, and hopefully this is the best thing that can happen to the midfielder, as being at City does nothing for his confidence, but maybe his level may be Blue Square North.

In my opinion, he does not offer Chester much in the way of creativity, has probably only enjoyed a small amount of good performances, and if he was honest with himself, he will probably agree with that.

James Vaughan could also be on the move, apparently mulling over offers from a number of other clubs. Vaughan of course was in Australia over the summer, but was drafted back in to the City side, much to the annoyance of many Blues fans, who certainly questioned their validity in both Vaughan's now being in the squad.

Rumours are also in place that both Stephen Vaughan Junior & James Vaughan, are the owners of the club at present which will come as a shock to many City fans.

Chester are in action tonight, as they attempt to follow up Saturday's win over Histon, by grabbing another 3 points, this time off Tamworth, who have started this season really well, so they will certainly be no pushovers.

Chester City 2 Histon 0

The Blues finally got their first victory of the season yesterday by beating Histon 2-0 at the Deva Stadium.

Kevin Roberts & Nick Chadwick both headed home goals as City defeated a Histon side that were backed by 26 supporters in the away enclosure.

The Blues had to wait until the 44th minute to get in front, when a corner was swung over and Roberts met it at the far post to score his first of the season.

Before the match it was announced in the team line ups that both Stephen & James Vaughan would play in the side together, this was certainly a talking point amongst the Blues fans, who questioned the authority of manager Mick Wadsworth, believing that he had been forced to play both sons of the Chairman.

Stephen Vaughan was substituted, and this seemed to have a positive effect as City quickly added a second goal to kill off the game, when Gregg Blundell swung over a cross for Nick Chadwick to get his head on.

That was that, and the three points were City's in a less than convincing performance, but certainly tasted better than a draw or defeat, and brings City to -20 in the league table now, and 25 points away from safety, being the total haul of points from the fifth bottom placed team.

Chester now face Tamworth at the Deva on Tuesday night, in a bid to get the total to -17, let's hope they can record a second successive victory for the first time in over 80 games.

You can view the highlights of the game here

City Fans United gets going!

City Fans United, the new fans group designed to make Chester Fans groups unite under the same umbrella, has officially got going.

Chester City ISA & Chester City Supporters Trust have got together, and thrashed out their future hopes, meaning one supporters group, City Fans United.

The name has been decided, the working party also decided, to get lift off for the new group, which starts their action of getting new members to sign up this Saturday.

Lots of initiatives will be coming Chester Fans way very soon, where CFU intend to get the Chester support back on track, and prepare for any eventual move to maybe one day buying into the Club, and offer a better stewardship in future years.

Already the supporters who are voting with their feet right now have vowed to pay their £15 entrance money into the coffers to still show their support for the club, but not the owner, which under the current circumstances is fair enough.

Chester City fans have suffered the disastrous administration filled summer, but do not want to turn their backs on the club, many will still attend of course, but others will not go simply whilst Stephen Vaughan is at the helm.

Chester Fans United is here, and here to stay, now the Group are calling for Fans to get involved, and register as members.

The CFU website will soon be launched, and will be a breath of fresh air to the Club's fanbase.

For the time being please feel free to send your ideas via the comments below, and they will be forwarded to the group, of which I am part of at the outset, to take forward, and put into place.

The Future Starts Now.

City get ready for Histon as Fabian leaves

Tomorrow, Chester will aim to net their first home win since Boxing Day 2008, yes it really has been that long since the Deva faithful witnessed their last home win.

It's Histon who stand in the way of that feat, and they'll be no easy pushovers, Histon being a big strong team who will no doubt cause an aerial threat to City's small team.

They haven't started as well as last season, where they chased play off glory, but they will certainly be difficult to play against, hopefully the lads can do the business and get some much needed points.

This is a BIG month for the Blues, as they have 4 out of the next 6 games at home, Histon, Tamworth, Gateshead & Stevenage, with the away games being at Eastbourne, before finishing off the month away to Wrexham in the first ever non league derby against the Goats.

So, can City now get on a run going into that game? Let's hope so.

Fingers crossed that we can do it.

Gregg Blundell may be given his first start since his return to injury, however it may be too soon for a return to action for Shaun Kelly. Anthony Barry is also in contention for a comeback.

One player who won't be coming back, is Fabian Yantorno, who has left by mutual consent, following the cancellation of his contract, the club have said that this is down to his injury problems - time will no doubt tell on that one.

Anyway come on you blues tomorrow!

Argentinian plays in friendly defeat

Chester City yesterday played out a 1-0 friendly defeat at Macclesfield Town, and included Argentinian trialist Andreas Andro, who Mick Wadsworth is currently running the rule over.

The left sided midfielder has been recommended by Fabian Yantorno, who is due to return to Uruguay in a bid to get fit to play for City, following a bad reaction to an injury, during the friendly game against Crewe two weeks ago.

City also included Gregg Blundell & Shaun Kelly who are making their return sto action following injuries, as well as Anthony Barry, who was in the side also, after limping off in Chester's first game of the season against Cambridge after just five minutes.

The Blues now have a chance to get some points on the board, as they now have a run of 4 matches out of the next 5, at home. The first of which is against Histon at the Deva on Saturday.

Altrincham 1 Chester City 1

The Blues managed to net their second point of the season so far, as they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Altrincham.

It was Altrincham that started the ball rolling after 22 minutes when Colin Little headed home from ex Chester defender Matt Doughty's cross.

Ben Wikinson grabbed his second goal of the season when he was picked out by Kevin Roberts, to level the game up.

Tim Ryan & Ben Wilkinson were booked for City.

Chester really should have taken the initiative at this point and secured all 3 points, but failed to do so, and as such have only moved to -23 points in the League table.

City remain 28 points from safety, and next up are two home games, Histon on Saturday, followed by Tamworth a week tonight.

Chester's season really started in earnest yesterday following those nightmare opening 4 games, where we had to face 4 teams in the top 8, including the three favourites to go up this season.

Now the battle starts, with winnable games (on paper at least) heading up to the first Wrexham derby match in non league football takes place.