CRAIG Lindfield scored his first goal for the Blues in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wrexham on Monday.
The match went ahead on the all-weather pitch at Wrexham’s Colliers Park training ground after a reserve team meeting between the two sides – due to take place at Buckley Town – was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
City midfielder Tony Grant continued his recovery from a hamstring injury by playing in the game, while trialist Craig Reid also featured.
The Blues lost 2-1, with Lindfield – a 19-year-old striker signed on loan from Liverpool last Friday – netting their only goal.
Chester boss Bobby Williamson said: “I’m not reading too much into that game. It was played on Astroturf, which is not the best surface to be playing football on, and the wind played havoc with the game.”
Williamson added: “It’s too early to judge Craig. He’s here as part of the squad and it’s up to him to try to get his way into the team. If he does, then hopefully he’s productive and scores goals, but we’ve got a lot of talented kids here.”
Kevin impresses
KEVIN Sandwith has been thrown a Chester City lifeline by boss Bobby Williamson.
The 29-year-old was handed only his second league start of the season in City’s 1-0 loss at Notts County on Saturday. Although the result did not go Chester’s way, Sandwith turned in a solid performance and came close to scoring with a spectacular free kick.
Having been told he could leave for another club in the January transfer window, the former Macclesfield skipper now finds himself being offered the chance to stay with the Blues.
Williamson said: “Sandy’s come in and he’s done very well.
“I spoke to him before the window opened. We had a discussion and we felt it would maybe be best if he was on the list so he could maybe get first team football elsewhere, but the guy’s a good pro. He’s worked hard and has deserved a place in the team and he got it. Hopefully he can go and earn himself a contract.”
Gulls eye Lowndes
BLUES striker Nathan Lowndes is attracting interest from Blue Square Premier outfit Torquay United.
The 30-year-old joined City last summer from Port Vale, but his impact has been limited by a succession of injury problems and he has failed to score in 14 appearances this season.
A statement on Chester City’s website read: “The club has received an enquiry from Torquay United about the availability of centre forward Nathan Lowndes.
“The Gulls will be informed of our decision in the next day or so.”
When asked yesterday if Lowndes was on his way out, City boss Bobby Williamson said: “I wouldn’t think so. I’ve not heard anything from Torquay.”
Top class sessions
THERE is still time to sign up to Chester City’s soccer schools.
The winter sessions will be held at Bishops’ High School from Monday, February 11 to Wednesday 13. They run from 10am until 3pm and cost £35.
Boys and girls aged five to 12-years-old are welcome and all the coaches are fully FA qualified and have been CRB checked.
The course will include penalty shootouts, American shootouts, crossbar challenges, FA skills tests, World Cup tournaments and much more.
Visit www.chestercityfc.net to download an application form.
Youth in action
CHESTER’S youth team host Stockport County at the Airfield, Broughton, tomorrow (10.30am)
The fixture was originally scheduled for last Saturday but has been moved on a week.
