Match Report - Man City (by Blue Spice (MCFC)

By Blue Spice (MCFC)
August 3 2002

In glorious sunshine, a crowd of just 632 welcomed the two Blue Cities onto the pitch at the Deva stadium.

Chester City – Wayne Brown, Steve Harkness, Kevin McIntyre, Shaun Carey, Scott Guyett, Wayne Hatswell, James Kelly, Michael Twiss, Mark Beesley, Steve Brodie, Carl Ruffer

MCFC – Kevin Ellegard, James Almond, Stephen Jordan, Tyrone Loran, Rhys Day, Mikkel Bischoff, Joey Barton, Jeff Whitley, Gary Brown, Ciaran Kilheeny, Jeff Whelan.

In glorious sunshine, a crowd of 632 welcomed the two Blue Cities onto the pitch at the Deva stadium.

There was little to choose between the two side in the first 15 minutes or so of play, but then the Citizens’ Bischoff badly controlled the ball and tangled with a Michael Twiss, and a penalty was awarded. Mark Beesley took the penalty, perfectly, beating Ellegard to put Chester 1-0 up. The crowd behind the goal sang and the Manchester Blues went quiet!

Both teams seemed determined to win this game, with Chester being more physical, being unafraid to tackle and preferring the long ball, avoiding the midfield. Manchester played the ball through the midfield more and were confident in passing, except in the Chester third of the pitch. Chester substituted Steve Brodie for Lee Woodyat.

In the 39th minute Manchester equalised with a beautiful shot from Whelan. Brown got a hand to the ball but could only deflect it into the net.. The Man City fans errupted into song, raising a cheer from the Chester faithful.

Chester had their final chance of the 1st half blocked by Man City’s only first teamer Jeff Whitley, and after 1 minute of added time, the score remained 1-1.

In the opening minute of the 2nd half, Chester had a shot blocked by the Manchester Danish Keeper, and the tone was set. Chester had come out fighting and were putting on the pressure. Such was the force of play, that by this time, the game was using its 6th ball, the others having been kicked over the stands!

Brown made a save for Chester to keep the score even but then a slip up by Chester’s Steve Harkness put the Mancunians 1-2 up when he deflected a cross into his own goal. Chester doubled their efforts, winning a corner but it was cleared.

During the 2nd half, many substitutions were made with Dave Cameron, Stuart Whittaker, and Micky Brown, Paul Carden, Ryan Sugden and Chris Blackburn getting a run out.

Both sides had chances from corners, but the score remained equal. Barton shot a blistering ball wide of Chester’s goal, and Chester’s Cameron shot the ball wide of an open goal at the other end.

Chester fans were not happy when Manchester’s Kilheeney appeared to go down rather easily nearing the end of play, and voiced their disapproval. After 1 minute added time, the score was 1-2 to the visitors.

Lee Woodyatt impressed with his play, for Chester, and Manchester fans appreciated Bishcoff’s skills. The referee had no bookings to make, although a couple of Chester players did get a quiet word for getting a little heated.