Chester FC: Manager and player reaction from Chester FC’s dramatic derby at Northwich Victoria

Dec 29 2011 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

BOTH managers admitted they were pleased with a point after Monday’s dramatic top-of-the-table clash between Northwich Victoria and Chester FC.

Neil Young and Andy Preece did not agree on the most controversial moment of the match – the sending-off of Michael Powell – but shared the same view that a draw was the fairest result.

The 38th-minute dismissal of Chester captain Powell, for raising his hands to John Disney, evened up the numbers after Vics goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe was given his marching orders.

With no substitute keeper to call on, left-back Lewis Short and midfielder Michael Roddy spent time between the posts for the hosts.

It was to the disappointment of the massive travelling support that the visitors failed to trouble the stand-in stoppers. But Young insisted they should still be satisfied with the final result.

The Blues boss said: “Once they went down to 10 men we were in the ascendency but the Michael Powell incident changed the whole game.

“It was more important that they beat us than we beat them. We’re still three points clear, so a point is not a bad result.”

Northwich manager Preece said: “The players’ spirit to come back after a start like that was incredible. It would have been easy to crumble after Ben went off and then we lose by four or five.”

Powell felt the reaction of Vics right-back Disney got him sent off and took to Twitter to vent his frustration.

He said: “That lad wants to be ashamed of himself rolling round the floor holding his face like that!”

Disney also had his say on the social networking site.

He said: “You raise your hands you get sent off! End of!”