|
Chester were the first team to show and had a half chance after goalkeeper Brian Jensen failed to hold the ball, but it was scrambled clear by the Clarets defence. At the other end Chester goalkeeper Phil Palethorpe did well to save from Garreth O'Connor. The midfielder struck the ball sweetly but the keeper got down to his left and even held on to the ball.
It had been scrappy stuff but in space of just a couple of minutes both sides came close to taking the lead. Firstly Chester planted an effort onto our bar, it was either fine judgement by the Beast or we struck lucky, but down the other end Steve Jones really should have done better when he got down the left but placed his shot wide of the far post.
There was no score at half time but just three minutes into the second half we were in front. Following a corner Steven Caldwell found Steve Jones but he almost fluffed the chance and was fortunate to see it just about drop in off the bar.
A goal up and Steve Jones came close to doubling that lead after a fantastic run and pass from Alan Mahon. We were thankful that the assistant referee hadn't noticed that he'd run well offside and allowed him to go, but Steve Jones took the ball past the goalkeeper before slicing the ball wide of goal.
The Clarets had made one change at half time, bringing on Alex MacDonald for Stott. It meant a reshuffle with John Spicer going to right back and MacDonald partnering Steve Jones up front, and he could have had a hat trick. He saw an effort saved and then with time running out he broke through to the right of goal but shot wide.
But he'd saved the best until last and in stoppage time he fired in a terrific overhead kick from some fifteen yards out and was only denied a goal because of a top save from Palethorpe.
That's three wins out of three but this was hardly a classic and was never likely to be on a pitch that is hardly suitable for decent football. The sooner we get our reserve matches back where they should be, the better.
Ritchie Jones had a decent enough game. He's a 21-year-old Stockport born midfielder who already has league experience with Colchester, Barnsley & Yeovil as well as having FA & Carling Cup experience with Manchester United.
Finally a word about Michael Duff. I missed his first reserve game after returning from injury which was against Preston, but I've seen the three since and this was his best yet. He's on his way back and I'm not so sure it is too far away now.
The teams were;
Burnley: Brian Jensen, Dean Stott (Alex MacDonald 45), Michael Duff, Steven Caldwell (Chris Lynch 66), Stephen Jordan, Garreth O'Connor, Mark Randall, John Spicer, Ritchie Jones, Alan Mahon (Wes Fletcher 66), Steve Jones. Subs not used: Stef Ritchie, Adam Kay.
Chester: Phil Palethorpe, Brett Robson, Chris Newman, Jack Rowlands, Shaun Kelly, James Owen, Andy Mitchell, Glenn Rule, Stephen Thorpe, Kieran Morrin, Adam Walker. Subs: Paul Dorman, James Gregory, Ryan Williams, Paul Smith, Lloyd Ellams.
