Men’s 4th X1 vs Bramhall 3rd X1 - Saturday 15th March 2008

Won 3-1

Chester claimed 3rd spot in their league with this thrilling, occasionally heated victory over an excitable Bramhall side. Paul Mannion scored one of the best goals of the season as the ball was worked slickly from left back through Bills and Hockenhull for Mannion to use his devestating pace to beat his marker and flick the ball into the net. Beswick and Bridges dominated the midfield and new boy I Evans cemented his place in the side with a fine goal flicked into the roof of the net. Craig Hockenhull grabbed a typically opportunist goal as he slammed a rebound off the keeper back into the goal. The defence ably marshalled by skipper R Evans stole the ball at will from the forwards with Hughes in excellent form at sweeper and Wood imperious at centre back. Sillett finished on a typically high note as he denied Bramhall by making several important saves. Hockenhull, Knight and Bills enjoyed excellent games as Chester finally cantered to another excellent victory. Superb team spirit and whole hearted commitment from all the players who have represented the ‘Stealth’ team this year have made this one of the most enjoyable seasons on record. Well done and thanks to all!

Men’s 4th X1 vs Deeside 5th X1 - Saturday 8th March 2008

Won 3-0

The score line flatters to deceive as Chester withstood a barrage of corners without ever looking like they were going to concede with Sillett and Hill resolute in defence and Wilson quick to pounce on the loose ball. Chester’s midfield dominated spells of the game with Bills battering the opponents and Hughes and Hockenhull building intricate patterns before releasing the twin demons Nicholas and Fellowes who won a number of corners from which Chester scored two of their goals. Craig Hockenhull converted a stroke after his fierce shot hit a foot on the line and Ossie Fellowes cunningly deflected Nicholas’ pass into the goal. The third was scored from a penetrating Hargreaves’ pass that Steve Hughes skilfully controlled before confusing the keeper with a well concealed flick to record his third goal of the season.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Oxton 4ths - Saturday 1st March 2008

Drew 4-4

In an exciting game Chester conceded several soft goals to the Oxton forwards who made the most of the few chances that came their way. Strengthened by the return of Shaw and bolstered by Hockenhull, Bills and the pacey Chadwick Chester’s midfield dominated creating a number of good scoring opportunities for Nicholas, Fellowes and Hargreaves. Shaw’s skilful technique assisted him in grabbing 2 goals while Hockenhull poached the other from a corner. Hargreaves scored the final goal flicking the ball home after excellent close control in the circle.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Wrexham 3rd X1 - Saturday 23rd February 2008

Won 1-0

At last a sunny trip to Wales and a well deserved victory to savour. In a tight, even contest Chester’s superior approach play through the hard graft of Hockenhull, Guilder, Bills and Fellowes in midfield caused their opponents a variety of problems. With the aid of their very own super sub, the effervescent, albeit occasionally stationary, Carl Lee, Chester’s ability to hold on to the ball made life difficult for Wrexham and led to chances for the forwards which Nicholas nearly capitalised on with a savage shot only inches wide. Eventually a typically cleverly worked corner led to Craig Hockenhull flicking the ball past a stranded keeper to give Chester the points.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Llandudno 1st x1 - Saturday 16th February 2008

Lost 4-1

Not a good day for Chester as they regrettably shipped a couple of goals after a highly promising start during which they played some excellent hockey. The opposition forwards were in predatorial form with a viciously flicked goal which was then followed by a stunning shot that soared into the roof of the net. Poor marking led to a third goal which Sillett made a tremendous effort to keep out. Chester rallied with a clever goal from Nicholas and then missed several inviting opportunities to equalise. Chris Ormandy and Alex Perratt both made promising debuts which augurs well for the future.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Deeside 4th X1 - Saturday 9th February 2008

Lost 3-1

It was a game of two Cheshire’s, with Steve and Dave, that well known duet, conducting affairs with characteristic skill sharing the three goals and several shots between them much to the dismay of a somewhat subdued Chester side who were unable to tame those two men in black. Guilder, Bridges, O’Gorman and Hughes worked hard while Simeone growled indecipherable Welsh oaths on the side as the frustration grew with Chester’s inability to strike the ball at the opponent’s goal which is fairly important if progress is going to be made. Wilson and Hill tackled steadfastly and Craig Hockenhull eventually connected with the ball to send it screaming into the net while sadly his other effort cannoned off the bar!

Men’s 4th X1 vs Rhyl 2nd X1 - Saturday 2nd February 2008

Lost 5-2

A somewhat misleading score line doesn’t do justice to Chester’s efforts in this keenly fought contest. Level for much of the second half, Chester were caught out by a miss-hit corner that evaded Sillett’s valiant attempts to keep it out. Chasing the game left openings at the back that Rhyl’s clever forwards skilfully exploited. Steve Hughes back from injury scored two excellent opportunist goals leaving Simone hoarse on the sideline as he narrowly missed taking a difficult third chance. Phil Bridges worked tirelessly despite nearly being arrested for wearing a hoody while Guilder cruised around searching for that elusive pass!

Men’s 4th X1 vs Macclesfield 2nd X1 - Saturday 26th January 2008

Won 2-1

A long torturous drive scattered with road works tried our patience however it wasn’t long before the team was battering away at an experienced Macclesfield defence that refused to yield despite Nicholas’ exocets somehow being saved by an agile keeper. Hargreaves wove his way through a packed defence only to narrowly miss the target while Blackie and Hockenhull schemed away around the circle. Against the run of play the youthful opposition midfield broke through and Hill was unable to legally clear a goal bound shot. Sillett got stick to the ball but couldn’t keep out the stroke. Strong team spirit roused the visitors with Guilder’s strong running and Wilson’s fine distribution creating intolerable pressure on the defenders who in attempting to surround Jack Hargreaves failed to prevent him forcing the ball home. A powerful short corner shot from Nicholas led to the winning goal as Matt Guilder coolly glanced the ball past the bemused defenders into the net.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Crewe 3rd X1 - Saturday 19th January 2008

Won 2-1

In a highly sporting contest against Chester’s favourite enemies the home side’s dogged defence and enterprising midfield provided the basis for a hard won victory. Wilson, born again at sweeper, and Dan Hill, a mountainous obstacle for the forwards to vanquish stood firm against a tide of attacks that Sillett in goal occasionally had to thwart. The midfield ran all game with the old fox Bills breaking up attacks, Hockenhull’s clever passes causing problems and the effervescent Guilder storming up and down the right side of the pitch with gay abandon! Nicholas and Mannion in the front line dribbled skillfully around the defenders eventually creating a goal for Hockenhull and the debutant Ossie back from wrestling crocodiles in Australia.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Bebington 3rd X1 - Saturday 12th January 2008

Lost 5-2
Scorers: Richard Nicholas and Paul Mannion

It was a tough start to the new year with a physically robust Bebington side intent on revenge after they were comprehensively beaten at Chester last year. An early goal against Chester caused flutters in the defence despite some encouraging developmental play from Bridges, Walmsley and Guilder. In fact Chester started to dominate but difficult chances weren’t converted or the final telling pass wasn’t quite made to create the shot on goal that would have enabled the good pressure to have paid off. Bebington led by two at half time but a stirring fight back led to goals from Richard Nicholas and Paul Mannion who dribbled round the entire home defence before pushing the ball past the amazed keeper. All out attack led to a couple of half chances being scrounged by the home side leaving a valiant Chester side defeated but not dispirited!

Men’s 4th X1 vs Bowdon 6ths - Saturday 8th December 2007

Won 2-1

In an exhilarating, competitive contest Chester’s lively midfield ran their opponents a merry dance with Bart Beswick outstanding on the left with his mazy dribbling and action man Guilder plundering the space on the right to link up with the forwards. Bridges foraging with intent caused the defenders many problems while Hockenhull helped himself to two goals that were made by the hardworking contributions of his fellow players. Macintyre in gloves made an imperious debut at sweeper while Hill and Knight tidied up around him. An excellent team performance to end this part of the league season.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Bramall 3rds - Saturday 1st December 2007

In a somewhat disappointing game Chester gave a disjointed performance while defending well the team failed to take advantage of superior possession and did not threaten the Bramall goal often enough. Nicholas and Mannion regularly beat their opponents but failed to turn promising positions into shots on goals or dynamic passes for others to score. In a very rare attack Bramall endeavoured to bundle the ball into Chester’s net much to everyone’s surprise – pity it was via a foot! Bubbling Matt Guilder enjoyed a determined game while Steve’s admiration society froze at pitch side.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Deeside Ramblers 4th X1 - Saturday 24th November 2007

Drew 2-2

In a closely fought contest Chester’s more experienced outfit found Deeside’s youthful starlets somewhat difficult to keep up with as they dazzled for long periods of the game. They claimed the first goal and it wasn’t until Hockenhull nailed a corner that Chester began to exert themselves. Dave Cheshire in the centre majestically pulled the strings for Deeside as Beswick, Bills and Hughes fought to counter his timeless passing. Beswick claimed the second goal from a short corner only to see the hamstrung Cheshire pivot on one leg to pound a fierce shot into the goal to level the scores.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Oxton 4th X1 - Saturday 17th November 2007

Won 2-1

In a somewhat bad tempered match Chester kept their heads and their cool to dominate proceedings but took rather a long time to score the first goal. Eventually Mat Guilder pounced on an excellent pass and was fouled as he rounded the keeper. Hockenhull calmly converted the stroke. Hughes, Bills and Beswick controlled the midfield while Nicholas nearly ran riot up front but kept getting entangled with some awkward defenders. After Hughes nearly dribbled the ball into the goal Hockenhull latched on to it and thrashed the ball home much to the relief of Simone, our mascot, who made a welcome return to the team. Thanks to Ian Percival who umpired the game superbly.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Bowdon 6th - Saturday 3rd November 2007

Drew 3-3

It was like a tableau from the vintage years as Bowdon paraded their veterans’ side against Chester’s youthful enthusiasts: fine honed technique versus passionate endeavour. A heart stopping game that had the team’s welsh mascot hiding her face in her hands as Hughes, Wilson and the effervescent and acrobatic Sillett in goal kept the predatorial forwards at bay. Bridges and Guilder enjoyed fine games while Beswick demonstrated many skilful touches causing endless problems for Bowdon’s stalwarts. Nicholas and Mannion terrorised the defence with Richard Nicholas grabbing 2 goals and Julian Bills a collector’s item on the far post. Honours even was about right but Chester’s potential is gradually being realised with an excellent team performance.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Deeside 5ths - Saturday 27th October 2007

Drew 3-3

In a hotly but fairly contested contest honours were finally shared as Deeside snatched a last minute equaliser in a game that had 2 yellow cards and 2 missed penalty strokes and 6 interesting goals! At times it resembled the ‘Cooper’ show as father and son threatened the Chester goal but stout defending from Wilson, Mannion, Sillett and Evans thwarted their efforts. Craig Hockenhull and Richard Nicholas were Chester’s scorers and extremely youthful debutants Richard Ollerhead and Alex Perratt displayed promising skills during the game.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Rhyl 2nds - Saturday 20th October 2007

Lost 0-1

Rhyl were fitter and faster than Chester and made life difficult in all parts of the pitch with their skilful running and pacy movement off the ball. Chester were sluggish in midfield with the exception of Bart Beswick who had a very good game in terms of passing and work rate. Sillett commanded his area making some fine saves from the forwards.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Macclesfield 2nds - Saturday 13th October 2007

Won 3-0

Chester tore into their opponents with enthusiasm and a good deal of skill as they camped in the Macclesfield half. Bart at right back demonstrated excellent technique and plenty of grit as he tormented the defenders with several mazy runs pushing them back to their circle. Tom and Steve displayed high energy levels on their debuts for the club contributing to Chester’s dominance in the first half. Craig Hockenhull scored the first goal from a well taken penalty corner, Richard Nicholas finished a superb move involving five passes before he slotted home and Matt Guilder thrashed home the third. Dan Hill was commanding in defence and Stu Field’s cameo performance in the second half helped Chester to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season.

Men’s 4th X1 vs Crewe 3rds - Saturday 22nd September 2007

Won 3-1

It was with some trepidation that a completely new team lined up against a highly experienced Crewe side not having played together yet this season and with most players not even knowing each other’s names! Introductions complete Chester proceeded to attack their opponents with determination and no little skill with Bills, Guilder and James working strenuously in midfield. Debutant Hargreaves provided a sparkling cross that Nicholas glanced into goal and then James skilfully flicked the ball past the keeper to record the second goal. Crewe retaliated with sustained pressure but S Mannion, M Walmsley and the energetic man of the match keeper Sillett kept the forwards at bay. P Mannion crowned a typically enthusiastic display with a well taken goal towards the end of the game to give Chester a fine start to the new campaign.