Williamson hails ‘immense’ Linwood

Feb 25 2008 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

BLUES boss Bobby Williamson reserved special praise for stand-in skipper Paul Linwood after Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Mansfield.

The defender took on the armband after Paul Butler was forced out of the action at half time due to injury.

Linwood rose to the challenge, producing a man of the match display as City fought back from a goal behind to record their first win since before Christmas.

Williamson said: “Paul Linwood was immense in the second half. He dominated everything in the air. Their big striker never won a header. Credit to Linny, he stood up and took the captain’s armband and stood up to be counted, just like most of them did.”

The Chester boss was a relieved man after the final whistle.

He said: “I’m pleased for all the guys because they’re a good bunch of lads and it’s been disappointing to see their heads going down over the last month or two.

“A lot of things have affected their game and I want them to enjoy their football, and I think they proved that in the second half.

“You’ve seen the reaction we had from the supporters and I’m pleased for them as well. They’ve waited a long time for this result.”