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.

Chester City 2 Cambridge United 4

Chester City finally kicked off their Blue Square Premier League season today, but sadly went down 4-2 at home to Cambridge Utd.

Ex Chester striker Chris Holroyd came back to haunt the Blues with a well taken hat trick, despite Chester taking a 2-0 lead.

Unbelievably, Chester opened the scoring within the first 20 seconds, through new signing Ben Wilkinson, son of ex Leeds & England manager, Howard Wilkinson.

Ex Everton striker Nick Chadwick netted the second goal on 19 minutes having come on as sub for the injured Anthony Barry, having seized on a poor back pass from ex City defender Wayne Hatswell, and Chadwick, who had only signed on for a year on Friday afternoon, shaped himself, and finished off nicely to give the Blues a 2 goal cushion.

It wasn't enough however, as the tide turned just before half time, when Cambridge were awarded a straight forward penalty, and Holroyd smashed it home, then just a minute later midfielder Robbie Willmott struck a deflected free kick past John Danby in the Chester goal to make it 2-2 in first half stoppage time.

In the second half, Cambridge took control, and Holroyd was again on the mark after 74 minutes with a fine bicycle kick following a perfect cross from former Tranmere winger Andy Parkinson.

Holroyd completed his hat trick, with a tap in on 89 minutes, which condemned City to their opening day defeat to the U's.

So, the first match is out of the way, but plenty of positives to take from the game, as City dominated the first half, but thanks to a lack of concentration, ended up going in level when it should have been 2-0 at half time.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Neil Ashton, signed from Shrewsbury, looked half decent, and up front Lloyd Ellams put in a good performance.

So, it's Oxford away next on Tuesday night.