UNSUNG hero Steve Ollerenshaw has been praised for his role in Chester FC’s inexorable march to a third straight title and promotion.

All of Chester’s championship rivals lost games to the wet weather over the busy festive period. But thanks to their groundsman, both of the Blues’ home matches got the go-ahead.

Neil Young’s side ensured Ollerenshaw’s hard work did not go unrewarded as they beat Droylsden on Boxing Day and then Hinckley United on Saturday to move 15 points clear at the top.

Chester boss Young said: “If you would have come here on Thursday, you would never have thought Saturday’s game would have been on.

“But I came in Friday and the pitch was rolled, spiked and ready to go.

“Steve likes a good moan and he was still not happy with it. But at this stage of the season – and don’t forget we train on it too – it looked fine to me.

“Great credit to Steve. He works his socks off and probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. We get it because the team is winning on his pitch.

“But without the work he does, we wouldn’t be where we are at this moment in time.”

There have been alterations to Chester FC’s Blue Square Bet North fixture list.

The visit of Gainsborough Trinity to the Exacta Stadium on Saturday, January 12, has been postponed because of the Lincolnshire club’s involvement in the FA Trophy.

The Blues will instead travel to Hinckley United after bringing forward the fixture from Saturday, February 9.

The Gainsborough game will now take place on Wednesday, February 27 (7.45pm).

The trip to Workington – called off in controversial circumstances last month – has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 19 (7.45pm).