STEVE Ashton has urged Blues fans to put Monday’s disappointment behind them and get on down to the Deva Stadium for Wednesday’s big encounter with Trafford (7.45pm).

Chester FC’s game at home to Prescot Cables on Monday was called off because the Merseyside club drew their FA Cup preliminary-round tie at Atherton Collieries on Saturday.

A replay between the sides was scheduled for Tuesday, meaning the Blues’ homecoming match had to be postponed as Cables could not be expected to play twice in 48 hours.

Chester chief executive Ashton shared the supporters’ disappointment – but has assured them the visit of Trafford will be just as special.

Ashton said: “It was disappointing. It was a beautiful day and we hoped to have up to 3,000 fans in the ground. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have just as good an evening when we welcome Trafford to the Deva Stadium on Wednesday.

“We’ve got to concentrate on the Trafford game now. A lot of people say there is a better atmosphere at night games – which potentially we saw in the FC United game in pre-season – and with this being the club’s first home game since it was reformed we really would urge all Chester fans to get down to the ground and make it a special night.”

Blues officials had plans in place in case Saturday’s Collieries-Cables FA Cup clash ended in a draw. A print run of 2,010 special edition programmes were never printed while catering for the kiosks at the ground was not produced.

Ashton said: “In real terms there was no outlay as we held back on the programmes and the production of the food, so we’ve not lost out in that respect.”

Chester’s visit of Cables has been rearranged for Saturday, October 2. That is the date of the FA Trophy preliminary round, but Prescot have been given a bye while the Blues have not been entered into this year’s competition.

Fans meet at Deva

CITY Fans United hold their monthly members meeting in the Blues Bar at the Deva Stadium tonight, starting at 8pm.

The meeting will feature an update from the CFU board, a question and answer session with the club’s chief executive Steve Ashton and the latest Seals Lottery draw, while there are plans in place to unveil the latest inductee into the CFU Hall of Fame.

There will also be another opportunity to sample the Blues Bitter, which is fast becoming a favourite tipple of Chester FC supporters. The bar will be open from 7pm.

CFU membership cards must be presented on the door to gain entry to the meeting. New members will be accepted on the night, at a fee of £5.

Horan: Support vital

BLUES captain George Horan cannot wait to lead his hometown club out for a competitive match at the Deva Stadium.

The first time that will happen is on Wednesday when Trafford come to town.

Horan said: “If the fans support us like they have in the pre-season games for the rest of the season it would be fantastic. Even when things haven’t gone to plan they have still been vocal and full of encouragement.

“The fans could make a massive difference this season. Things won’t always go smoothly but if we stick together as a club we won’t go far wrong.”

Get your stickers

A SMALL batch of our ‘Blues are Back!’ car stickers are still available.

The free stickers, which celebrate Chester FC’s return to action, can be picked up from the front counter of The Chronicle’s Commonhall Street office in the city centre (week days, 9.30am-4.30pm) and are limited to one per person.

Striker is released

STRIKER Josh Macauley has left the club.

The former Tranmere Rovers youngster featured for Neil Young in pre-season but this week was allowed to join Welsh Premier League outfit Bala Town.

Chester FC manager Young said: “We would like to wish Josh well in the future.”

Macauley scored on his debut for Bala in their League Cup tie with Prestatyn on Tuesday.

Mark becomes dad

CONGRATULATIONS to Blues midfielder Mark Connolly.

The 26-year-old became a father last week when Joshua Edward Connolly was born.