Sarcevic at double

NEIL Young got everything he wanted out of Chester FC’s behind-closed-doors friendly this week.

The Blues boss gave every member of his senior squad at least 30 minutes of football in a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Airbus UK Broughton on Monday settled by two excellently taken Antoni Sarcevic finishes.

Young, whose side were without a league match at the weekend, said: “Andy Preece and Andy Morrison have done a very good job at Airbus, they’ve got some fantastic players and have assembled a strong squad, so it was a big test for us.

“Although there were little bits we have to work on, I thought we played some good stuff, the levels were good and we scored two good goals, the second in particular being a very good goal.

“At this stage of the season you expect players to have a level of underlying fitness so it’s all about getting them and keeping them match fit.

“We had a really hard training session in the gym on Saturday. But match sharpness is the key, hence why we arranged a game for this week.”

Sarcevic opened the scoring after he seized upon a poor pass from Kyle Armstrong and curled the ball past the stranded Jamie Stephens with aplomb.

Sarcevic’s second arrived on the stroke of half-time.

Left-back Danny Williams – encouraged to get forward at every opportunity as Matty McGinn ahead of him had been told to tuck inside – sent over a teasing cross.

But Sarcevic still had to show agility and technique to divert a volley past Stephens at his near post.

Chester were scheduled to take on another Welsh Premier League outfit, Gap Connah’s Quay, last night – but the match was cancelled because of the bad weather.

Powell quits Exacta

MICHAEL Powell has had his contract with Chester FC terminated by mutual consent.

The midfielder leaves the Blues with two championship medals to his name and an impressive goalscoring record that saw him find the net 15 times in 57 appearances.

Powell – whose goals at the end of the 2011-12 campaign were crucial to Chester winning their first title – has found himself out of favour this season after the emergence of Antoni Sarcevic as a central midfield force.

Powell was transfer listed after he was needlessly sent off in the FA Cup replay defeat at FC Halifax Town in October.

That proved to be his final game for the Blues and he has spent the last three months on loan at Curzon Ashton.

Following his release, Powell has signed for Witton Albion despite a rival bid from the Wincham Park outfit’s neighbours Northwich Victoria.

Ref under question

FEWER than 30 tickets remain for ‘An Evening with Mike Dean’ being held in the Legends Lounge at the Exacta Stadium on Friday, March 22.

Joining the top Premier League referee at the event will be Chester FC manager Neil Young.

Tickets cost £35 and include a three-course meal.

The evening, which gets under way at 7.30pm, will be hosted by broadcaster and Blues fan Charlie Lambert and will give members of the audience the chance to put questions to ref Dean and boss Young.

For ticket bookings contact the club on 01244 371376 or email commercial@chesterfc.com

Entry prices debate

BLUES fans have the chance to have their say on how much they think they should pay to watch Chester FC next season.

A meeting has been arranged for this Monday at the Exacta Stadium to discus the club’s pricing strategy for the 2013-14 campaign.

Getting under way at 7.30pm in The Blues Bar, the meeting is open to all supporters and not just City Fans United members.

Show off your skills

PLACES are filling up fast for the Chester FC soccer school taking place at Blacon High next week.

The course runs from Wednesday, February 20 to Friday, February 22 (10am-3pm each day) and will be led by first team stars Ben Mills and Antoni Sarcevic.

Manager Neil Young will also be on hand to offer tips and advice.

The course is open to youngsters aged from five to 11 and costs £50 per child.

There is a £5 discount for Junior Blues members.

To book a place call the club on 01244 371376.