CHESTER city manager Mick Wadsworth summed up the feelings of many City supporters when he reflected: “It’s a monkey of our backs,” following the club’s workman-like if unspectacular 2-0 victory against Histon at the Deva Stadium on Saturday.
Not only was this Chester’s first three-pointer of the Blue Square League campaign, but it was also the first time they had won at the Deva since Boxing Day last year.
City’s small squad that saw midfielder Fabian Yantorno return to his native Uruguay in midweek, was reduced even further when on-loan striker Lewis Alessandra suffered ankle ligament damage just before half time.
The player is expected to return to Oldham Athletic today, which could well see Wadsworth scouring the temporary loan market again, if finances permit.
Defensively Chester looked competent on Saturday, with Chris Lynch and the experienced Tim Ryan excelling, time and time again snuffing out the route one tactics which Histon favour.
The visitor’s best opportunity came midway through the first period, when Knight-Percival hit the base of City’s post with an angled effort.
Chester took the lead a minute from the break. A Neil Ashton corner being firmly headed home from just inside the visitors area by Kevin Roberts.
City doubled their advantage after 76 minutes. Substitute Gregg Blundell crossed from the left to former Everton striker Nick Chadwick who stooped to head home from six yards.
The home side could have made it three in the dying embers of the game, but Naisbitt in the visitors goal made a top drawer save to deny Chadwick.
Following the match a delighted Wadsworth said: “It’s good for everyone concerned with the club that we have recorded this first win of the season.
“It’s been a disappointing period and isn’t it good to give us something the celebrate on a Saturday night.
“We now have to build on this win and keep chipping away at this points deduction.”
Chester are next in action tomorrow night, when they face Tamworth at the Deva Stadium (kick off 7.45pm).
CHESTER CITY: Danby, J Vaughan, Lynch, Ryan, Lea, Ashton, S Vaughan (Kelly 66), Roberts, Wilkinson (Barry 60), Chadwick, Alessandra (Blundell 45). Subs: Meynell, Kay.
HISTON: Naisbitt, Hope, Tamm, Langston, Gwillim, Barker (Kennedy, 83), Bygrave, Hudson-Oardi (Hammond, 76), Knight-Percival, Simpson, Farrell (Andrews, 76). Subs (not used): Starkes, Mason-Smith.
REFEREE: Mr R Fletcher (Derbyshire).
ATT: 1,171.
