Chester City 0 Mansfield Town 1

Chester City remain rooted to the table on minus 24 points after they went down to an early goal at home to Mansfield Town today.

Rob Duffy's 2nd minute strike was enough to give the Stags the win that puts them into 2nd place in the Blue Square Premier League.

City's closest effort came from Lewis Alessandra, who smashed a shot against the post as the woodwork got in City's way for the second week running.

In truth, City could not find a way past Mansfield's stubborn, and strong defence, and despite the introduction of Gregg Blundell, could not get level.

There were also bookings for Nick Chadwick & Chris Lynch for City today.

It's four games now, and three defeats, with just the solitary point at Luton to show for the efforts, however the early fixtures have not been kind to the Blues, and many including myself will see the start of the season for real on Monday, when City make the short distance to Altrincham.

If the Blues can get a win from that game, they will then take on Histon & Gateshead at the Deva in successive games, and maybe, just maybe, they can get some kind of run going.

So defeat again then for the Blues, let's hope our fortunes change on Monday.

Who'll have the Stag Party tomorrow then?

So, Chester have their second home game of the season tomorrow, and will bid to win their first game of their delayed season, which has seen them gain 1 point from 3 games.

City will no doubt have to stick with the same players that played last Saturday in the goalless draw at Luton Town, but will hopefully have gained a bit of confidence form that game.

It looks unlikely that both Gregg Blundell & Fabian Yantorno will be included, as they continue their comeback from injuries, but hopefully they will be in contention in the next couple of weeks.

As for Mansfield, they have been fairly free scoring so far, having won 4 of their opening 5 games, that defeat being at Luton. In those games however, they have netted 13 goals, with Rob Duffy, Kyle Perry, and Jake Speight all chipping with 3 goals apiece, and ex Chester striker Daryl Clare has also got in on the act too, grabbing 2 goals so far, they being penalties in the 4-1 win over Barrow.

Hopefully Chester will earn their first win of the season, as they continue to get match fit. The Blues are expected to start with Nick Chadwick & Lewis Alessandra starting up front.

Blues earn point at Luton in 0-0 draw

It's great to report tonight that Chester City are off the mark, and now sit on -24 points in the Blue Square Premier League table following their 0-0 draw at Luton Town, who before the game were joint leaders of the League.

City included defender Chris Lynch & midfielder Adam Kay in their line up after signing from Burnley yesterday.

The Blues almost snatched the lead when Nick Chadwick headed against the cross bar in the first half, but withstood pressure in the second half to take a point at Kenilworth Road.

Ben Wilkinson & Chris Lynch were both booked for the Blues, but other than that a good day for the City, which sees us get off the mark, hopefully we can now put in a strong performance next Saturday at home to Mansfield Town, who will include Chester legend, Daryl Clare.

Oxford United 4 Chester City 0

Life just got a step worse at the Kassam Stadium tonight, as the Blues went down to another heavy defeat, this time being thumped 4-0 away to Oxford United.

For the second successive game, a forward on the opposing side notched a hat trick against a City defence which has now shipped 8 goals in its first two matches.

James Constable was the major difference between the sides tonight, as City crumbled to a second half hat trick from the United striker, whilst Matt Green scored the other goal, as Chester's hopes of taking anything out of this game disappeared 12 minutes after half time.

The Blues managed to frustrate Oxford United in the opening 45 minutes, and hopes were high amongst the City faithful that maybe a point, or even more, could be gained from the game.

But, just after half time those hopes were dashed as James Constable opened the scoring, and despite the introduction of midfielder James Owen (on for centre half Lloyd Ellams), Matt Green made it 2-0 just 10 minutes later. Constable then struck his second goal 6 minutes from time, and crowned his night by grabbing the hat trick on 90 minutes.

So, that was that as far as City's night was concerned - a big well done to the 131 Chester fans that braved the trip to Oxfordshire tonight - they deserve some credit for that!

Next up for City, it's Luton away, one look at the table shows that they are joint leaders, it just doesn't get any better does it??

After that, Mansfield Town at home, and the return of Daryl Clare, who scored twice tonight in their home game against Barrow.