REVIEW OF THE SEASON | November 2018
ChesterFC.com takes a look back at the events of the Blues’ 2018/19 National League North campaign – month-by-month!
November 2018
November started with the giantkilling of all giantkillings taking place at the Swansway – as Calum McIntyre’s Under 18’s beat Barnsley 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup. It wasn’t their first cupset in recent history either!
The first team received a boost ahead of their trip to promotion hopefuls Brackley, as Steve Howson’s red card brandished against Alfreton was overturned.
Brackley Town 2-2 Chester – A game that proved Chester’s credentials as a team that wont go down without a fight. A drab first half was followed by a second half full of excitement, as on-loan Dan Mooney stole the show. Brackley twice led, but Mooney struck back twice. Firstly with a stunning long range effort – and then in the 94th minute he scored a breathtaking volley to trigger some incredible celebrations. A point most certainly gained.
Chester 3-2 Nuneaton – Basement side Nuneaton gave the Blues a scare, but Chester made it a superb 11 unbeaten in the NLN. Danny Livesey scored his first of the season, before Anthony Dudley doubled our lead before the break. Dan Mooney’s stunning effort – his third of the week – made it three. But Carl Baker and Adam McGurk goals made the Blues sweat. But they hung on!
More good news was to follow when it was announced Gary Roberts had been named NLN Player of the Month for October. Few will ever forget that hat-trick against Alfreton Town by one of their own.
Chester 1-2 Altrincham – The fixture pile up and injuries finally took their toll as Altrincham became the first side to pick up maximum points at the Deva. A Jordan Hulme double either side of Simon Grand’s header saw the high flying Robins through to victory.
The squad was bolstered after this game with the signing of Adam Dawson from AFC Telford. He was drafted in time for the trip to Bootham Crescent for what looked to be the final time ahead of York’s stadium move.
York 0-0 Chester – A solid defence display secured the Blues a good point on the road on a cold Tuesday night. It could have been so much more, as Craig Mahon was desperately unlucky to strike the post in the first half; nevertheless – a point gained rather than two dropped!
Southport were drawn out the hat to face the Blues in FA Trophy action – and the Youngsters were finally beaten in the FA Youth Cup away at Mansfield Town in the Second Round Proper. But what a fantastic journey it was.
Leamington 1-0 Chester – A disappointing afternoon at the office, as the Blues piled on the pressure looking for a winner and were caught out at the back late on. Simon Grand had struck the bar in the first half, and Brakes keeper Breeden was on fine form. The stage was set for Colby Bishop to slam home a late winner for the hosts.
Right back Dom Smalley left for Hyde United on loan, and the FA Trophy was up next for Chester…
Southport 0-0 Chester – As Smalley left, it was time for one of our own to take centre stage. A forgettable affair but for a man of the match performance by academy graduate Matty Thomson. It was a superb defence display by the teenager and meant a replay beckoned on Tuesday.
Chester 0-2 Southport – It was the Sandgrounders who advanced. A stunning strike by David Morgan and a Jordan Archer goal sent Liam Watson’s side through – as it became five without a win for the men in Blue. But a reinforcement was on the way for December…
Akwasi Asante joined on the final day of November, on loan from Tamworth, and was all set for his debut to kick off December against Darlington…