REVIEW OF THE SEASON | January 2019

    ChesterFC.com takes a look back at the events of the Blues’ 2018/19 National League North campaign – month-by-month!

    January 2019

    2019 got underway with a home game against Southport – the Blues looking to bounce back after two festive defeats.

    Chester 0-0 Southport – A draw starting the calendar year for the Blues; there was little to report from this affair at the Swansway. Former Blue Jordan Archer forced Grant Shenton into a good save late on, and a positive performance came from left-back Matty Waters: who was voted man of the match.

    Good news was to follow as Akwasi Asante signed a permanent 18-month deal with the club for a club record fee. The striker had made a big impression In his three games – notching five goals. Injury still had him ruled out for the rest of the month, however.

    Then the impressive Iwan Murray signed an extension to his contract – while Adam Dawson departed the football club.

    FC United 0-2 Chester ­– A fantastic rearguard response saw the ten-man Blues win away for the first time since September. Anthony Dudley’s header gave Bern and Jonno’s side a half time lead. But they were crippled by a red card to George Green. Grant Shenton made some fantastic saves to keep the Blues in front, before an injury time Gary Roberts goal on the counter sparked delirium and sealed victory.

    Winsford United 0-4 Chester – Progression in the Cheshire Senior Cup was sealed with a convincing win at Winsford. Nathan Brown scored an excellent brace, and Iwan Murray and George Green were on target in a big victory.

    Losing Gary Stopforth, Scott Burton and now George Green to suspension had restricted the Blues in midfield – but a reinforcement was on the way in the form of Sean McAllister. The former Scunthorpe and Sheffield Wednesday man joined on non-contract terms.

    Chester 1-1 Guiseley ­– A share of the spoils at the Deva, but the Blues will definitely feel it was two points dropped. They fell behind early, but an Andy Halls red card gave the hosts a man advantage. They did claw back level through Anthony Dudley in the second half – but couldn’t force a winner.

    Jon Moran then left to join Hednesford on loan for the rest of the season; which opened the door for a new arrival – as Ben McKenna arrived from Bradford Park Avenue.

    Chester 0-1 Curzon Ashton – A first home defeat since November as the Nash caught the Blues with a solid defensive display and a superb goal on the counter attack, scored by Wigan loanee Ollie Crankshaw.

    The squad was in need of being bolstered further due to Asante’s injury and one goal in the last two games – so striker George Waring was signed from Tranmere Rovers.

    Spennymoor 2-0 Chester – January ended with another disappointing defeat. A goal in each half by the Moors sealed the win. It might have been a different story as Gary Roberts had a penalty saved and George Green missed the rebound – but the home side took all the points.