Chester's roller-coaster of a season continued when they crashed 5-1 at home to Esh Winning, a side that had only scored five goals all season !. Esh Winning nearly took the lead in the 2nd minute when the Chester defence and keeper Ian were static as a harmless effort came back off the post. Chester took the lead after 14 minutes When Rob Draper played the ball forward into the area and Nathan Fisher stretched out a foot to get a toe on the ball and turn it into the net. Chester were denied a clear penalty when Craig Price drove a free kick into the wall which Paul Richardson blocked with his arm but neither of the officials claimed to see it. Esh played the better football and Chester were relieved to reach the interval with a 1-0 lead. Esh drew level after 48 minutes when a low cross from Stuart Thompson on the left was turned in by Nicky Martin. The following minute, Stuart Thompson crashed a shot against the post. It was no surprise that Esh took the lead after 50 minutes when a good move saw the ball played right to Paul Richardson and his cross was headed in by Martin. Chester seemed to have no answer as Esh continued to cause problems. After 54 minutes, Craig Coates broke down the right but his cross was headed just wide by Martin. But, two minutes later, Esh broke down the left and the ball was played into the area. The first shot was blocked but Martin followed up to fire in and complete his hat-trick in the space of eight minutes. After 58 minutes, a move down the left wing left the defence standing and Martin crossed for Craig Coates to fire in another goal. Chester were reduced to ten men following an incident after 69 minutes. Liam Clough made a terrible tackle on Josh Home-Jackson and he got up to push Clough away. Surprisingly, Clough was only given a yellow card while Home-Jackson correctly got a red card. Chester's only chance in the second half came after 81 minutes when Ben Johnson's shot was spilled by keeper Gareth Young into the path of Rob Draper but the ball just bounced off his feet back into the arms of the keeper. Chester went down to nine men after 84 minutes when Nathan Fisher received his second yellow card. It was left for Martin to claim his fourth of the game when he volleyed in a cross from the right after 87 minutes. A disgraceful performance, coming just days after a great win over Bedlington.
Team: Ian Aitken, Luke Gilhespy, Ian Davison (Danny Petts, 80 mins), Michael Allan (Nicholas Kane, 61 mins), Andy Armstrong Ian Dixon, Josh-home-Jackson,Craig Price, Nathan Fisher, Rob Draper, James Farrell (Ben Johnson, 61 mins). Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, Robert Palmer.
Crowd: 113
Referee: Mr. G. Hart, Darlington
Assistants: Mr. M. Hobson, Stockton & Mr. A Powles, Norton.