Consett slipped to a disappointing home defeat against fellow strugglers Chester-le-Street in an uninspiring game at Belle Vue Park. There wasn’t much to choose between the sides but Chester just edged the game after an improved second half showing.

Consett manager Colin Carr opted for the same team that had beaten Esh Winning so comprehensively the week before, apart from Darren Grimes replacing the injured Lee Suddes, and Stuart Kelly returning in goal instead of Andy Colling.

But The Steelmen never looked like making the inroads in The Cestrians defence that they had done against Esh. However, they did have the better of the opening half without seriously threatening the Chester goal.

After 15 minutes Scott Wilson shot wide when well placed, while at the other end the visitors’ Andison twice tried shots from long range, the first comfortably saved by Kelly, the second curling just over the bar. After 33 minutes Consett’s Andrew Thompson hit a well struck shot from 25 yards but straight into Aitken’s midriff. 

Half Time: Consett 0-0 Chester

The Steelmen went close after 55 minutes when Grimes went on a good run beating a defender but his shot was comfortably saved by Aitken. The vital breakthrough came a minute later when Chester were awarded a disputed corner. Turner’s delivery was perfect and substitute Elrington headed home from six yards.

Consett responded by twice going close from well taken Ian Davison free-kicks. The first saw Johnny Brown stoop to get in his header but it was straight at the visiting keeper, then a few minutes later Jeff Sugden climbed above the defence but his header went narrowly over the bar when he looked certain to score.

The visitors could have made the game safe with 20 minutes left when Cuggy set up Elrington but he dragged his effort wide. But it didn’t matter as The Cestrians comfortably held out to pick up three vital points.