CHESTER Ladies got off to a flyer in their first game of 2009, beating Poynton 3-1 away in the Northern League Premier Division.

Poynton wasted early chances from short corners. They were made to pay as Chester broke on them from a short corner of their own and opened the scoring through Donna Jones.

Poynton equalised with a looping shot from another short corner, but soon afterwards Chester restored their lead with a penalty flick, scored by Sophie Clough.

Jones then doubled her tally from another short corner. Player-of-the- match was Sian French.

The Ladies’ 3rds lost 8-1 to Poynton 3rds in a Cheshire Cup tie. A goal in the final minute was some consolation for Chester.

The 4ths came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Neston, Frankie Popsecu bagging a brace.

Chester men’s first team struggled to get going after the winter break and Rotherham took full advantage, winning 1-0. The trip was a good opportunity for promotion-chasing Chester to get off on the right foot for the second half of the season, but the lowly Yorkshiremen made them look rusty.

With 15 minutes to go Rotherham took the lead from a close-range effort, leaving Chester chasing the game but unable to muster a response.

Chester 3rds beat Neston 3rds 5-3. A solid performance led to goals for Mike Cooper (2),Warwick Ryan-Beswick (2) and Stuart Mourton.

Chester 5ths lost 3-2 to Knutsford. Owen Fellows and Daniel Haynes scored but Chester could not find the extra yard to get ahead. MoM was Steve Mannion.

Peter Cunnington scored for Chester 6ths in their 1-1 draw with Neston South Wirral.