Chester City 2, Yeovil Town 1

Feb 12 2001 by Neil Turner

CHESTER CITY blew the Nationwide Conference title race wide open on Saturday with a thrilling 2-1 victory against table-topping Yeovil Town at the Deva Stadium.

The win revived Chester's championship dreams, and saw the impressive Yeovil side lose for just the fourth time this season.

The match was played at a frantic pace throughout, with City having the better of the first half, particularly down the right flank were Neil Fisher was outstanding.

Chester, who were without four regulars because of injuries and suspensions, took a well deserved lead after 17 minutes through Scott Ruscoe.

Fisher and pint-sized dynamo Jimmy Haarhoff were the orchestrators, Ruscoe the executioner with a stunning low shot from the edge of the area that fizzed into the net past the despairing dive of Welshman Tony Pennock.

The Yeovil keeper was forced to rescue his side on two occasions, with Blackburn and Woods firing in efforts that the shot stopper was equal to, making breath taking saves on both occasions.

However, he was beaten again after 32 minutes. Ben Smith attempting to clear a lose ball hit his clearance against Darren Waye. That let in Chris Blackburn to set up Mark Beesley, who slid the ball home from six yards.

City were forced to make a change at half time after Blackburn had limped off with a broken bone in his foot, Darren Wright substituting.

City should have increased their lead after 59 minutes. Again Fisher and Haarhoff were involved as some neat interplay set up a snap shot from Woods, who contrived to rattle the bar form 10 yards when possibly a more composed finish would of gleaned a greater reward.

Yeovil set up a thrilling finale when sub James Bent scored an 85th minute consolation goal.

But the final scoreline flattered the men from Somerset. This was a comprehensive win by Chester against one of the best sides in the Conference.

If City are to build on manager Graham Barrow's excellent work and mount a serious championship challenge, they need to strengthen their small squad quickly and possibly, just possibly they can achieve a speedy return to the Football League.

Chester City: Brown, Fisher, Doughty (Woodyatt 79) Lancaster, Roffer, P Beasley, Haarhoff, Blackburn (Wright 46), Woods , M Beasley, Ruscoe. Subs not used: Price, Berry, Harris.

**Chester's young 19-year-old midfield player Chris Blackburn, is the subject of interest from premier league club Southampton. A spokesman for the south coast club said last night: "We've had good reports about the lad, and we are certainly monitoring his progress." Matt Doughty was also due to spend the week in Hampshire.