Dale destroyers

Apr 25 2008 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

ROCHDALE Reserves took advantage of a jaded Chester second string to win 7-1 at the Deva on Wednesday.

Rochdale striker Chris Dagnall continued his injury comeback with a hat-trick for the visitors.

At half-time it was just 1-0, courtesy of Dagnall, but Chris Basham scored almost straight after the break and Dagnall’s second came in the 50th minute.

Chester pulled a goal back through Andy Mitchell but a Will Buckley brace and a late Joe Thompson strike turned a loss into a rout before Dagnall completed his hat-trick on 86 minutes.

On Monday, the Blues’ reserves earned a credible 2-2 draw against a Bury side that included former City player Simon Yeo. The Blues dominated the opening exchanges but failed to find the target and allowed the home team to get into a two-goal lead. Chester found their form, however, and Lloyd Ellams and James Gregory scored to bring the sides level.

Take your seat

CHESTER have stopped issuing vouchers for Tuesday’s rearranged game against Stockport at the Deva Stadium.

The free admission vouchers had been available for any supporters attending City’s recent home match against Lincoln, or those who visited the Deva ticket office.

The decision to stop handing out the vouchers was made by the Safety Advisory Group.

Only those with vouchers will be admitted on Tuesday as there will be no cash taken on the turnstiles.

Fans are asked to arrive early as the turnstiles will open earlier than normal.

The original meeting of the two Cheshire rivals was abandoned last month after an hour’s play due to a waterlogged pitch.

Payment agreed

NATHAN Lowndes and Chester CIty have come to an agreement to pay up his contract after the striker’s injury-plagued season.

The former Port Vale, Plymouth Argyle, St Johnstone and Watford man was signed by Bobby Williamson last summer. But the 30-year-old only managed 14 appearances due to a back injury.

City chief executive Bob Gray said: “We have reached a financial settlement with Nathan and obviously we thank him for all his efforts while he was with the club and wish him well for the future.