Police abandon Eastbourne match after Protests

Chester City's match against Eastbourne Borough at the Deva Stadium on Saturday, was interrupted and eventually abandoned following peaceful protests from Chester City fans angry at the way Stephen Vaughan has toyed around with Chester City Football Club.


The club are on the brink of being kicked out of the league, and possibly verging on closure due to the fact that monies are owed to the club's football creditors.

Chester had taken a 3-2 lead at the Deva before protesters made their way on to the pitch for a second time in the game, the first being in the opening half of the game.

Shouts of "Vaughan Out" were then prominent from the supporters, who quite clearly have had enough of the Liverpudlian Boxing promoter, and flags and banners were also unfurled on the pitch, before both stewards and police were forced to intervene.

Criticism of Cheshire Police was rife, following their decision to force the abandonment of the game based on the small protest, and in general failing to control a crowd of under 900.

City had taken the lead in the first ten minutes through an Anthony Barry belter from 20 yards, but was soon levelled up by a long range effort from Liam Enver-Marum.

Lloyd Ellams then put City 2-1 ahead, before Borough again equalized through Kayne McLaggon, and just when thoughts seemed to be turning towards more points being thrown away, Nick Chadwick popped up with a header to make it 3-2, before the second protest of the game got underway.

It remains to be seen what the authorities will do regarding the abandonement, but as this could have been the fans last chance to make their voices heard before Monday's crunch deadline, they can be forgiven for doing what they had to do, in a bid to raise the spotlight on Chester City Football Club - something they have succeeded with considering the story being covered nationally.

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!