Chester FC: Blues fans played ‘big part’ in vital Marine victory, says Neil Young

Dec 22 2011 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

Chester FC: Blues fans played ‘big part’ in vital Marine victory, says Neil Young

NEIL Young has paid tribute to the big part Blues fans played in the win which has left Chester FC sitting on top of the tree for the second Christmas running.

But Young’s festive cheer after Saturday’s crucial victory at title rivals Marine did not extend to the match officials who he felt ‘spoilt’ what was an absorbing encounter.

The Blues boss was furious with referee Barry Lamb for his controversial decision to send off Iain Howard in the opening stages of the second half.

That meant Chester had to play the final 35 minutes with 10 men. But backed by a 1,000-strong band of vocal travelling supporters, they held on for a 2-1 win which moved them three points clear of Boxing Day opponents Northwich Victoria at the summit.

Young told The Chronicle: “I have to say a massive hats off to the fans who travelled on Saturday

“To take such a big following was fantastic, especially considering the atrocious weather conditions and given the fact that it was so close to Christmas when, in these economic times, money is hard to come by.

“They were loud, got behind the team when we conceded an early goal and lifted us when we went down to 10 men. They played a big part in us winning the game and the players really appreciated it.

“It was a great atmosphere and hopefully they can make it the same, and come out in the same numbers, for our big game at Northwich on Boxing Day.”

Young’s assistant Gary Jones was sent to the stands after Howard was shown a harsh second yellow card for an innocuous handball.

Winger Howard, who has scored eight goals this season, will now miss the visit of Nantwich Town to the Exacta Stadium on January 2 through a one-match ban.

Young said: “They were the worst yellow cards I have seen. The first one Iain’s gone for a header with one of their lads at the back post and the referee gives a foul for him jumping into the back of the Marine defender. A foul I can accept but I can’t understand what he booked him for.

“The second one their lad’s crossed the ball and it has hit Iain on the back. The linesman, who’s five yards away and is looking right at it, has indicated the ball has hit Iain on the back. But the referee has decided to give a free kick and send him off.

“It was absolutely unbelievable.”