CHESTER CITY rested their senior professionals on Saturday and fielded a reserve team against Northwich Victoria at a sun-drenched Victoria Stadium.

City's team, made up entirely of teenagers, only contained one player with senior first team experience, but they still gave a full strength Northwich squad a run for their money.

The Nationwide Conference outfit had the better of the opening exchanges with Townson, Roca and Allan going close, but City who showed some neat touches had an opportunity after half an hour but Mark Cadwallader shot over. Chester's defence, particularly first-year professional, Robert Marsh-Evans, looked impressive when under pressure, while wingback James Vaughan caused problems for the home defence with a series of surging runs.

City had a let off just before the break, when a cross from Gallimore deceived Vernon in the visitors goal before hitting the bar and going to safety.

Chris Holroyd had two efforts in quick succession saved by substitute keeper Ben Connett at the start of the second half, then the shot-stopper made a tremendous triple save to deny efforts from Potter, Wade and Vaughan.

The only goal of the game came after 56 minutes from former Chester player Craig Dove, currently on trial with Vics, who hit an effort into the net through a ruck of players following a corner from Danny Mayman.

Chester introduced 16-year-old Jordan Barnes into the proceedings with six minutes of the game to go. A member of City's impressive YTS system, Barnes is hoping to emulate the success of his father John, the former Liverpool and England favourite.

Chester's impressive youth system is overseen by Jim Hackett who was pleased with the way the youngsters acquitted themselves. "We had two or three chances to go ahead and conceded a poor goal from a defensive point of view. However, I thought the lads did extremely well.

"Paul Rutherford and Robert Marsh-Evans were with me in the youth system, and it's pleasing to see them coming through as young professionals. Every one of the players that turned out today should be extremely proud of the way they performed."

Hackett continued: "The future looks terrific at the club, we had 16-year-old out there who didn't look out of place against seasoned professionals.

"We have a good youth set-up at the club and it's an indictment of the progress we are making that we are disappointed to lose."

NORTHWICH: Senior, Battersby, Gallimore, Griffiths, Elliott, Charnock, Byrne, Williams, Allen, Townson,
Roca. Subs (used): Connett, Dove, Sale, Handisides, Mayman, Brayson.

CHESTER: Vernon, Vaughan, Newton (Carney,52), Roberts (Kelly, 75), Marsh-Evans, Wade (Gregory, 56), Rutherford (Barnes, 84), Cadwallader (Rule, 65), Holroyd, McManus (Carroll, 30), Potter (Morrin, 71).

ATT : 548.