Post by Rio Doherty on Nov 23, 2018 7:55:55 GMT
Our third successive away fixture takes us to Lancashire tomorrow where we venture to Southport in the FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round in a local derby. In previous seasons we have entered this competition at the 1st Round, but obviously we must enter 1 round earlier due to our relegation last campaign. On a personal note this match has come at the perfect time for us as we have endured a mini blip over the past few weeks, so a break from league action should hopefully bode us well. Also, we haven’t got to play any more midweek matches for the time being, hence an extra training session should make our lads a lot more fitter and raring to go again. That goes without saying I want us to take this competition seriously, as a good run builds momentum and generates much needed income which is vital for clubs like us.
When this draw was made a few weeks ago I was looking forward to this tie as it was a decent chance for us to progress. Since then though the tables have turned as Southport are currently the form side having won there last 5 games, whilst we are winless in 3. At the time of the draw I did actually have a bad feeling about this one deep down, but we just need to put on a good display to start another run again. Every team undergoes a bad patch at some point where it’s happening to us right now, hence it’s important how our players react to this to get back on track.
Southport were predicted to challenge for the title during the Summer, but a terrible start has resulted in them spending the majority of the campaign in the relegation zone. However, an upturn of fortunes has climbed the Merseyside-based club up the table as they have won there last five games, so either Jon McCarthy is on holiday or Liam Watson has gave his players a massive kick for them to get going. Southport boast a lot of former blues players with midfield maestro Liam Davies, Ryan Astles, Jason Gilchrist (who had a brief loan spell in 2015) and Jordan Archer all in the squad. Archer is currently on loan from Bury, but has made a decent start for them having netted against Hereford FC, whilst Astles headed in the 94th minute winner against Boston United last Saturday. Astles will receive my admiration, but one person who certainly won’t is Jon McCarthy who is the assistant manager. I personally got on well with him, but as a manager he was so out of his depth and almost landed us into oblivion. During the Summer the Main Stand was redeveloped so there will be a few changes to the ground since we last visited, as the dilapidated blue seats have been changed to yellow.
On the whole I’d like us to take this competition seriously as little things like this do build momentum. Ideally I wouldn’t lose too much sleep if we are to play one or two youngsters due to our injury problems. It all depends on whether we add one or two players to our squad before this game as was reported earlier this week. I don’t know why, but I do have a strange feeling about this one as Southport have won 5 in a row, our form isn’t great and due to the sheer amount of former Chester FC players/staff they will be up for it. However, it’s our job to get back on track again during this mini-break from league action. Hopefully we will take a decent following to cheer our lads on as our support could prove to be crucial. This will be my 4th visit to Southport so it will be no new ground for me. Just out of interest, does anybody know if extra time will occur if we are to draw, or will it be a replay at the Swansway on Tuesday? Hopefully come 17:00 tomorrow we will be in the hat for the 1st Round. COME ON CITY!
Score: Southport 0-1 Chester FC (Mahon)
Attendance: 1,268 (527 Chester FC)
COYB!
When this draw was made a few weeks ago I was looking forward to this tie as it was a decent chance for us to progress. Since then though the tables have turned as Southport are currently the form side having won there last 5 games, whilst we are winless in 3. At the time of the draw I did actually have a bad feeling about this one deep down, but we just need to put on a good display to start another run again. Every team undergoes a bad patch at some point where it’s happening to us right now, hence it’s important how our players react to this to get back on track.
Southport were predicted to challenge for the title during the Summer, but a terrible start has resulted in them spending the majority of the campaign in the relegation zone. However, an upturn of fortunes has climbed the Merseyside-based club up the table as they have won there last five games, so either Jon McCarthy is on holiday or Liam Watson has gave his players a massive kick for them to get going. Southport boast a lot of former blues players with midfield maestro Liam Davies, Ryan Astles, Jason Gilchrist (who had a brief loan spell in 2015) and Jordan Archer all in the squad. Archer is currently on loan from Bury, but has made a decent start for them having netted against Hereford FC, whilst Astles headed in the 94th minute winner against Boston United last Saturday. Astles will receive my admiration, but one person who certainly won’t is Jon McCarthy who is the assistant manager. I personally got on well with him, but as a manager he was so out of his depth and almost landed us into oblivion. During the Summer the Main Stand was redeveloped so there will be a few changes to the ground since we last visited, as the dilapidated blue seats have been changed to yellow.
On the whole I’d like us to take this competition seriously as little things like this do build momentum. Ideally I wouldn’t lose too much sleep if we are to play one or two youngsters due to our injury problems. It all depends on whether we add one or two players to our squad before this game as was reported earlier this week. I don’t know why, but I do have a strange feeling about this one as Southport have won 5 in a row, our form isn’t great and due to the sheer amount of former Chester FC players/staff they will be up for it. However, it’s our job to get back on track again during this mini-break from league action. Hopefully we will take a decent following to cheer our lads on as our support could prove to be crucial. This will be my 4th visit to Southport so it will be no new ground for me. Just out of interest, does anybody know if extra time will occur if we are to draw, or will it be a replay at the Swansway on Tuesday? Hopefully come 17:00 tomorrow we will be in the hat for the 1st Round. COME ON CITY!
Score: Southport 0-1 Chester FC (Mahon)
Attendance: 1,268 (527 Chester FC)
COYB!