5 THINGS | The best wins under Bern and Jonno
Following today’s news that Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have signed new two-and-a-half year deals at Chester FC, we take a look at five of their best wins to date!
GAME 1 | CHESTER 5-3 BRADFORD PA | SEPTEMBER 2018
It was a big game after two heavy losses and time away from the Deva following flood damage – but this game ended up being a first look at a ‘Bern and Jonno’ Chester side. The Blues, playing against another of the promotion favourites, could easily have sat back and focused on defending after conceding eight at Blyth and three at Telford. But they remained brave on the front foot and won a thriller. After conceding early, goals from Dan Mooney, Anthony Dudley and Craig Mahon had the Blues in command at the break. But BPA hit back to level before late goals from Mooney and then Dudley again from the spot sealed a first home win of the campaign and in breathtaking fashion.
GAME 2 | FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 0-2 CHESTER | JANUARY 2019
After a disappointing festive period last season that had yielded two defeats and a draw, Chester put in a real backs against the wall showing at Broadhurst Park. Anthony Dudley’s header had crept home in the first half to give the visitors the advantage, but then the Blues were reduced to ten men when George Green picked up a second yellow card. Nevertheless, some stunning stops from Man of the Match Grant Shenton and some heroic defending saw commitment to the cause – only further heightened when Gary Roberts sprinted 70 yards up the pitch to score the second goal in stoppage time. Cue bedlam in the away end.
GAME 3 | AFC TELFORD 1-3 CHESTER | SEPTEMBER 2019
Chester came to Telford after back to back league wins against Curzon and Guiseley. Their third consecutive 3-1 success came in front of 800 away fans at New Bucks Head. After suffering a disappointing loss there the season prior, the Blues carved their hosts apart on this day. Akwasi Asante was the hero with a superb hat-trick – but the team performance was excellent. Jamie Morgan’s sending off made it a slightly nervy final 20 minutes, but Bern and Jonno’s side got the three points in the sunshine led by a raucous away following.
GAME 4 | BRACKLEY TOWN 0-1 CHESTER | NOVEMBER 2019
Brackley Town don’t tend to lose home games. At the time of writing, they remain unbeaten at home in the NLN this season. When Brad Jackson scored Chester’s opener at St James Park at the start of November, it was the first they had conceded in the league at home from open play all season! So, when the Blues met Brackley again in the FA Trophy away later in the month, they went one better than the draw they achieved three weeks prior. Anthony Dudley slotted home the winner in a resolute and battling performance against the side who won the competition in 2018 and were knocked out by National League Champions Leyton Orient last term. A brilliant win.
GAME 5 | SOUTHPORT 1-3 CHESTER | DECEMBER 2019
Our most recent away win, and one Bernard Morley spoke with pride about post match in his interview. He had reason to – they dismantled a fellow promotion rival in a game where the scoreline actually flattered the home team. When Astles gave Southport the lead, it was after the Blues had struck the post twice and created numerous chances. They continued to do so after the goal as George Waring turned home the leveller. Then the second half was even more convincing, a plethora of chances with Akwasi Asante’s goal and Gary Roberts’ 30-yard thunderbolt securing the win in front of a jubilant away crowd on Boxing Day.