Chester City: St Milner’s Day clash beckons for Blues

Jul 3 2009 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER fans are already hoping their side will strike an embarrassing blow against arch rivals Wrexham when the sides meet at the Deva Stadium on Saturday, February 13.

It is likely that the derby, the second of the season, will be moved by Cheshire Police to Sunday.

For most that means a St Valentine’s Day game but in the hearts of Chester fans, it will always be St Milner’s Day.

Ever since the derby at the Racecourse in 1995, when Chester were down to nine men and Wrexham led 2-1 has the game been treasured in the memory of Chester fans.

Gary Bennett opened the scoring for Wrexham before Chester’s Eddie Bishop equalised with a penalty.

Karl Connolly restored the lead and the Blues had two men sent off as they headed for defeat.

Up stepped striker Andy Milner, receiving the ball well in his own half before embarking on a powerful run into the Wrexham box, turning a defender before smashing a fantastic goal from an angle in what has become a hugely celebrated draw.

Now fans are hoping their side can go one better and defeat Wrexham on St Milner’s Day on the 15th anniversary of the game.

Wrexham currently hold bragging rights as, despite their relegation in 2007/08, they won the last derby 2-0 at the Deva.

The St Milner’s Day clash at the Deva will again will be the clubs’ second meeting of the season as they officially end their 12-month separation at the Racecourse on Saturday, September 26.

The Blues kick-off their season – with a 10 point deduction – away at Grays Athletic.

Grays finished just outside the relegation zone last time out so Mick Wadsworth’s charges should have the opportunity to immediately eat into their points punishment for going into administration.

Next up is Gateshead at home on Tuesday, August 11, another opportunity against a newly-promoted side, before the Blues come up against stiffer opposition.

Playoff finalists Cambridge come to the Deva on Saturday, August 15 and the Blues travel to Oxford, who finished just outside the playoffs, on Tuesday, August 18.

If Chester do not achieve their aim of making the playoffs themselves this year, the Blues’ final game will be at home to Crawley Town on Saturday, April 24.