Schools: Chester Schoolboys Under 14s back with a bang

Feb 4 2010 Chester Chronicle

BEN Gregory capped a superb display with the decisive goal as Chester Schoolboys under 14s returned to action with a 2-1 home triumph over Sefton.

The Merseyside visitors arrived in confident mood after defeating a strong Liverpool outfit. However, with Gregory setting the tone with a couple of meaty early challenges, our county’s finest looked the hungrier.

Gregory thought he had broken the deadlock in the 20th minute when he headed in a great cross from Tom Batten, but the referee ruled the strike out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Chester, boosted by the return of Henry Smith and Osian Gillette, were not to be denied, though, as 10 minutes later Batten’s corner was turned in by a Sefton defender.

With Batten and Luke Hitchman dominating midfield, and Gillette and Kieran Herron getting forward at every opportunity, it came as no surprise when Gregory made it two with a back-post header from another inviting Batten ball into the box.

Sefton reduced the deficit when they beat Russell Griffiths, who had earlier made a top stop. But with Joe Williams and Liam Blake dangerous on the break, Chester held on.

Chester were: Russell Griffiths, Osian Gillette, Alex Roddy, George Nott, Kieran Herron, Ben Gregory, Richard Tomassen (C), Luke Hitchman, Tom Batten, Henry Smith, Rory Hardman, Sam Parsons, Liam Blake, Joe Williams, Danny Williams.