Chester v Darlington

A bit of a brief match report but mainly this post is about a very enjoyable afternoon out at the recent Chester v Darlington match. The match was played on Saturday just gone, 20th April. The result was 0-0 as both sides played out a rather tepid affair. That was because there wasn’t anything riding on the game for either side. Chester had missed out on their target of reaching the play-offs and Darlington, after taking up one of the relegation places for most of the season, were well safe after a recent upsurge in form.

Before, the Chester game, I heard a mention of 10 wins from 14 games. Fair do’s, that’s promotion form. By all accounts, much of the credit for that is due to ex-Chester manager, Steve Watson. Some may well remember him from his playing days at Newcastle United and Everton.

While the game might have been dull, the off field events weren’t. What I mean by that was the excellent service provided to corporate guests. I was lucky enough to be invited along as a guest. Attending a game at the Deva Stadium, or rather the Leap 76 Stadium, was a totally new experience for me.

The whole experience, was a really enjoyable occasion. More about the off field events a bit later, but first, what about the match.

Chester v Darlington Brief Match Summary

As already mentioned, the game was a rather uneventful tepid affair. We took our seats in the Gary Talbot Stand just before kick-off. A really good view of a pitch that was in really good condition. I must admit I had a little wander onto the pitch before the game. Hence the photo above. If only I had a ball, I could have relived my youth and tuzzed one into the top corner. Or let me re-phrase that, try to tuzz one into the top corner. That’s more like it.

As it was a game with little or nothing at stake, it was played out (in football speak) like a typical end of season affair. Or, like a friendly, or testimonial. I’m not sure when the first foul was committed but I saId to my brother-in-law next to me (he got the tickets) after what seemed like the first 15 minutes or so, that the referee hadn’t blown up for a foul yet. That may be against the grain as I always imagined football in this league to be plenty of blood and thunder and tackles and elbows flying everywhere. There wasn’t much physicality at all. The quality on the ball shown by the players was good though.

In truth, Chester were powder puff up front. Although to be fair the front players didn’t have much to work with in the first half. But when the ball was knocked forward, there wasn’t much physical presence.

Most of the play was very safe possession style football almost exclusively played in the middle third. To coin a phrase, easy to defend against.

Second Half Improvement

Things got a bit better in the second half when Chester introduced substitute, Charlie Caton. The play went a bit more direct with longer balls played into the channels for Caton to get onto. He and his fellow striker, Tom Peers, were looking to stretch the Darlington defence and get in behind a bit more. Still though, with no great effect. But at least, “mixing it up a bit” seemed to give Darlington a bit more to think about.

Before it was announced on the PA system, everyone around us were unanimous in suggesting that Chester’s number 27, Kieran Burton, was man of the match. He had an excellent game. Although, maybe me being a bit picky, there were times in the first half I thought he could have looked to go forward with the ball instead of automatically turning and knocking it back to the keeper. A small point but as he looked so comfortable on the ball, there may have been some missed opportunities to get Chester on the front foot more often.

Anyway, not a negative comment, just an observation.

Chester v Darlington Match Final Comment

A final mention on the game itself. An excellent attendance of just over 2,500. A gate boosted by a good following from Darlington of about 400 or so. That’s a really good effort. The weather may have helped as it was a lovely, warm sunny day. Any thoughts on Spring and Summer football for some of the leagues anyone?

Enough about the game. What about the hospitality?

Chester v Darlington Hospitality

So what about the hospitality? In short, it was excellent. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left. Although, a small point to mention. We were let straight through at the gates by the security by simply saying, corporate guests. I would have thought some ID or tickets would have been required. But never mind. Again, not a criticism, just an observation.

The lady in reception who greeted us was friendly and helpful. So far an excellent start to proceedings. We were then shown to the Legends Lounge where we were to later enjoy a lovely meal. Upon entering the Lounge we were indeed greeted by a Chester Legend. None other than Grenville Millington. Chester fans of any age will know who Grenville Millington is. A real club legend. A key member of the 1974/75 promotion winning team. Not only a promotion winning team, but a team that also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup. Indeed, Chester were a whisker away from gracing Wembley as they unluckily lost to Aston Villa 6-5 over two legs in the semi-final.

You can find out more about the semi-final tie in a post I wrote a few years ago HERE.

Not Sure If I Mentioned This

Grenville Millington did an excellent job with his meeting and greeting and his presenting skills. I’m not sure if I remembered to remind him of a penalty prize competition we had in school back in the 70’s. Back in those days, there was a Saturday lunch time footie programme on ITV called On The Ball. A feature of the programme was a fan competition called Penalty Prize. The regional, then national winners would then appear at Wembley before the League Cup Final for the ultimate Penalty Prize final.

In our regional Penalty Prize event at school, a few of us were selected to take part. And the goalie on the day was Grenville Millington. On Saturday, I’m not sure if I reminded him that I scored 8 out of 10 penalties? Oh, hang on a minute. I do remember now. I may have casually mentioned it in passing. Sorry Grenville, I could see your eyes rolling back up into your head, but you still tried to look interested. Very impressive.

Supermac Or Supermouth?

Mind you, more worthy of a mention was Grenville’s save against Newcastle United in the League Cup tie in the famous 1974/75 season at Sealand Road. In them days, Newcastle had a rather larger than life, powerhouse of a centre-forward called Malcolm MacDonald. To coin a phrase he was a handful for defences. He was given the nickname of Supermac and, as he was so very impressed with his own abilities himself and didn’t hold back in telling people of them, he also had the nickname of Supermouth.

But anyway, I digress. In the game at Sealand Road, MacDonald muscled his way past the Chester defence and was bearing down on goal. More often than not, MacDonald didn’t do tap ins. He used to really hammer the ball. As he did on this occasion from about 20 to 25 yards from goal. It was arrowing towards the top corner of the net but flying across his goal came Grenville Millington to brilliantly tip the ball over the bar. An incredible save in any situation or game. But given the importance of the game and the opponents, even more special.

Chester went on to win the game 1-0.

Excellent Club Ambassador

There may be some of you who have noticed that what an England international, record transfer fee, top flight centre-forward failed to do once, a certain local website owner managed to do eight times!! I must admit, I’d not noticed it myself, but now that you mention it. Just saying!!

In all seriousness though, Grenville Millington is an excellent ambassador of the club in so many ways. A lot of clubs erect statues outside the stadium in honour of club legends. If Chester were to do the same, what price Grenville Millington being the first statue? Many will make the case that he should be.

But outside the current stadium? Not sure about that. Which brings me onto……

Chester v Darlington At The Leap 76 Stadium

This section could be “how long is a piece of string” as the story of Chester’s home has been covered so many times in so many mediums. Another excellent part of the day’s activities on Saturday was the tour given by Chester FC historian, Chas Sumner. A very informative and often witty tour guide.

Many football fans generally are aware of the uniqueness of Chester’s ground in that part of it is in England and part of it is in Wales. Not only the ground of course. The offices, the corridors, the car park and even the lounge we were in. Chas made reference to the rather amusing, but strictly accurate illustration. Prior to the recent new 20mph decision made by the Welsh Government, fans leaving the car park would strictly be governed by the 20mph ruling while on the Welsh side of the boundary but then could move along at 20mph+ on the English side of the border.

Fascinating and something that makes Chester’s ground unique. But apart from that the ground is buried away at such a far flung, not ideal, location in the city. Wouldn’t it be great if a stadium could be built nearer the city centre. No more boundary issues then. But where could that be?

Chester v Darlington Conclusion

A great afternoon overall even if the game was disappointing. Onwards and upwards to next season for both clubs in the National League North. Just before the meal Chester’s manager, Calum McIntyre, addressed the diners and he showed great appreciation for the support received this season and was enthusiastic for next season.

Will Chester remain fan owned? I assume so. But if there is any doubt, then that’s a decision for another day to be made by all interested parties. If being privately owned again was an option, then the due diligence exercise would need to be so thorough and transparent given the problems encountered in the past.

One stumbling block though for any prospective owner would be the ground. The current stadium is owned by the local Council so there’s no tangible asset there. That in itself may suggest therefore a new ground would be needed if the club were to go privately owned. But, as I say, that is not an option for today.

A big shame the footballing target wasn’t met. All steam ahead for next season though. If there are any local businesses out there looking for an entertaining, enjoyable Saturday afternoon out, then give the Chester FC corporate tickets a consideration. You won’t be disappointed. If you do though, try to avoid asking Grenville Millington about how many pennos he saved from you know who’s trusty left peg!!

To keep up to date with what’s going on at Chester FC, head on over to HERE.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Many thanks for reading my latest blog post – Chester v Darlington. A very enjoyable afternoon out all in all. Local businesses should bear it mind for next season. Good entertainment, good hospitality, good food and good beer. What’s not to like. Throw in a good game and a home win and all boxes are ticked.

A big thanks to all those involved and also a big thanks to my brother-in-law for the ticket.

Plenty of other posts and topics as well here on my website. To read my other blog posts on a variety of topics, pop along to HERE. 

Chester Lifestyle Wall Art

As this is a Chester related website, you may be looking for the ideal Chester related gift for your loved ones. If so, then have a look at my Chester section of my new Etsy store. You can find out more about my Etsy store HERE.

Plenty of originally created downloadable digital artwork for you to have a look at HERE. And, as I say, a variety of Chester related products to choose from. Go on….you know you want to!!

Simple instantly downloadable images – an ideal gift for any occasion…..

Gifts like……an instantly downloadable image of Eastgate Street as seen from the Eastgate Clock. And there’s more. A lot more and not only Chester images.