Saturday's thrilling derby day between Chester FC and Wrexham defied all expectations.
The crowd was a good deal healthier than forecast, both teams put on a fine performance throughout the 90 minutes and it was a relatively high-scoring game.
Oh, and perhaps most surprisingly of all, Chester won. Quite convincingly.
We've been here before, of course.
Two years ago, few Blues fans would have expected Chester to get any kind of result at the Racecourse following a dismal, pointless start to life in the Conference after five matches. Fortunately, the 888 away fans witnessed a half-decent showing from the underdogs against a truly dreadful Wrexham side that day.
But Saturday's game was different. Wrexham have been flying high in the league and look a more rounded, solid side than in recent campaigns, while Chester, although capable of strong showings against fancied sides in the league, had just come off the back of two desperately disappointing results away to Welling and Bromley.
Blues goals had also been in short supply so far this season, and those that had come were either from set-pieces or injury-time scraps. So for Chester to score three (count them) in one game – including two from open play – was a sight to behold.
Watch: Highlights of Saturday's derby triumph
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And the quality matched the quantity. John Rooney's free kick in the first half was a thing of pure, unstoppable beauty, one of the finest I've seen not just from him, but from any Chester player at the Deva. Only the woodwork stopped him from scoring via an equally spectacular free kick in the second half.
The second goal was a result of determined team play, involving three Blues players who each beat their opponent and won the ball. It was controlled, decisive, aggressive play, and Tom Shaw's finish was the icing on the cake.
Last but not least, the breakaway goal from Kane Richards' header. Wrexham were, at this stage, playing a high defensive line, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks. It didn't take much for a breakaway to happen, and when it did, Ross Hannah's cross was superb. I didn't actually celebrate at first, as the coolness of Richards' header was such I was convinced the offside flag had gone up before he scored.
It was particularly pleasing to see Richards on the scoresheet. He has struggled at some points of this season, mainly against 6ft brickhouse defenders.
But with Wrexham's defensive play reminiscent of a Chester side from the last two seasons (ie, lots of passing along the back four, get into trouble, make a dodgy backpass to the keeper), this was his best chance to strike.
Overall it was a great team performance. Michael Kay was excellent in defence, Ben Heneghan put his best showing in midfield yet and new lad James Roberts showed some great potential.
And now for the negatives...
But it wouldn't be a Chester fan's viewpoint if there wasn't space to dwell on the negatives. The referee made a few questionable decisions, notably the first-half penalty. I still can't quite see how it was given, especially as there was a handball in the Wrexham penalty area earlier on which, I believe, should have had the referee pointing to the spot.
And, it must be said, it'd do my heart a world of good if Chester could finish off games more convincingly. At 3-1, as injury time begins, the side just flapped a bit and kept hoofing clearances straight to Wrexham players. Two points were lost earlier this season by doing that against Grimsby, and it could have happened again when the visitors won a last-minute corner at 3-2.
Fortunately, Heneghan's subsequent clearance when surrounded by Wrexham players was almost as crucial as his 94th-minute goal in last year's home derby as the full-time whistle blew immediately afterwards.
As for the bubble match? Well, arrests were kept to a minimum, and the on-pitch action certainly helped to stimulate both sets of fans, particularly after Wrexham equalised moments after Chester scored the first goal. Despite what some people may say (ahem), there is still a bit of life in the derby.
Nevertheless, I still believe both sets of fans would be happier if future seasons saw the end of the bubble match restrictions. There was an account on Twitter of one poor Wrexham fan who had to travel by train from Chester to Wrexham, just so they could get their ticket and arrive by police escort all the way back to Chester again.
To make matters worse, they couldn't even leave the match early...
