NEIL Young picked out Christian Smith for praise after Chester moved a step closer to a trip to Wembley.
The recalled Smith, along with central-midfield partner Michael Powell, caught his manager’s eye as the Blues cruised into the FA Trophy third qualifying round yesterday with a 2-0 home win over Stafford Rangers.
Young, whose team are now unbeaten at home in 23 games, said: "I thought Christian had a really good game. We had a good chat with him beforehand about being more aggressive and playing higher up the pitch - and I thought he did that.
"One thing Christian has been criticised for is his work-rate. But I thought his work-rate, his passing and play at times were excellent."
Young was also impressed with debutant Luke Holden’s lively cameo off the bench.
The 22-year-old winger, who has signed on non-contract terms from Droylsden, showed glimpses of the pace and crossing ability that earned him a move to Charlton Athletic earlier in his career.
Holden’s arrival came after Jamie Rainford was sent out on loan to FC Halifax Town.
Comments attributed to the club record signing on social networking site Facebook have disappointed Chester fans. But Young said Rainford’s departure is for footballing reasons.
The Blues boss, who is looking to sign a midfielder and striker, added: "I had spoken to the players about social networking sites and what can and can’t be put on them. I’m not on Facebook or Twitter but I am aware comments have been made which haven’t gone down well. Jamie can’t be responsible for what other people write on his sites but he is responsible for his own actions.
"I have reiterated to the players that if they use social networking sites to be derogatory to myself, any other player in the dressing room, anyone at the club or the club itself, they will be fined and left out of the squad completely.
"I’m speaking without full knowledge of how these things work so I’m not ducking out of the subject. Allegations have been made but Jamie has gone on loan to get him back to his best - not for what he has allegedly written on Facebook.".
Chester head to Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire Senior Cup second round on Tuesday (7.45pm).
