Chester ended their season with a 2-0 defeat at Sunderland Nissan in the semi-final of the League Cup. They put up a spirited performance but were made to pay for several missed chances. After 26 minutes a low hard cross across the face of the Nissan goal saw Chris Hunter running in but his shot was blocked and the ball cleared. Nissan made a quick break with the ball played to Stephen Stewart o the right. He raced down the wing and his cross found Kevin Devine but his shot was cleared off the line by Andy Armstrong. Nissan took the lead two minutes later when Anthony Lund's cross from the left found Stephen Stewart unmarked and he fired into the corner of the net. Chester continued to play some good football without getting a clear shot of the target. After 39 minutes a good passing move saw Anthony March play the ball through to Jonathan Wightman inside the penalty area but keeper Paul Gilmore rushed out to block the shot with his legs. Chester had a lot of possession in the second half but failed to capitalise on any of their chances. After 60 minutes Jonathan Wightman was played through the middle but with just the keeper to beat he fired just over the bar. Chester were made to pay for their missed chances when Nissan doubled their lead after 70 minutes. Ian Davidson lost possession and Jamie Clarke took full advantage to fire home. Nissan controlled the last period of the game to prevent Chester getting back into the game. It was a reasonable performance but against the top sides you must convert a percentage of the chances you create. That was the difference between the sides.
Team: Paul Newton, Chris Hunter, Colin Wake, Rob Draper, Elliot Milburn, Andy Armstrong, Jonathan Wightman, Anthony March, Cary Shields (David Fairless, 86 mins), Gavin Stoker (Paul Richardson, 71 mins), Ian Davidson. Subs Not Used : Michael Cook, Rob Houghton, Ian Aitken.
Crowd: 56
Referee: Mr. R. Tiffin, Shiney Row
Assistants: Mr. M. Coy, Durham & Mr. S. Stocksbridge, Dunston