Chester FC 2 Tranmere Rovers 1

Jul 27 2010 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

A BRACE of headers from striker Michael Wilde saw the Blues notch up an impressive win over Tranmere at the Deva Stadium this evening.

The former TNS and Fleetwood man used his aerial prowess to good effect, scoring twice inside three second-half minutes.

It was another excellent display from the Blues, who have won their last three pre-season games – scoring nine goals in the process.

League One visitors Tranmere fielded a team made up mainly of youth players and trialists but they handed a debut to imposing striker Enoch Shownmi, signed earlier today from Falkirk, and manager Les Parry watched his new recruit’s progress from the stands.

Chester enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, with young wing-back Chris Williams prominent down the left.

Midfielder Andy Burgess fired an early chance straight at Rovers keeper Joe Collister, and it was to be his only contribution as the Chester man limped off with an injury soon after.

Skipper George Horan looked to have given the Blues the lead on 17 minutes but his thumping header from a Mark Connolly corner went fractionally wide, with most people in the ground thinking the ball had gone in.

Tranmere’s best spell of the game came towards the end of the half and they opened the scoring seven minutes before the break. Ryan Fraughan released sub Steve Connor down the left and the winger’s cross was nodded home by midfielder Max Power.

But any hopes Tranmere’s young team had of leaving with a win were blown away inside 13 minutes of the second half as revitalised Chester turned on the style.

The hosts’ equaliser, on 56 minutes, was simple. Connolly’s floating right-wing corner was met at the far post by a firm header from Wilde, who showed more desire to get to the ball than the Rovers defence.

Within three minutes, Chester were 2-1 up and it was that man Wilde who got the goal with another excellent header. Sub Mark Peers released Michael Aspin down the right and the full-back’s deep cross was powered home by the Blues number 10.

As Tranmere’s challenge evaporated, Chester went in search of a third goal.

Wilde sliced a hat-trick chance just wide of the post and the lively Peers weaved his way through the Tranmere defence and drew a sharp save from Collister.

With full-time approaching, Rovers squandered two excellent opportunities to grab an equaliser. Cole Stockton saw a shot clawed away by Chester keeper Richard Whiteside before Jack Mackreth scooped the ball high over the bar when well-placed.

Chester: Oldfield (Whiteside 54), Stones (Peers 50), Williams, Horan (Jones 67), Meadowcroft (Ruffer 50), Aspin, Armstrong (Ryan 50), Burgess (Connolly 10), Hopley, Wilde, Graves (Rigoglioso 68).

Attendance: 1,927 (553 away).

Referee: John Dowd (Wirral).