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Consett cruised to a fine 3-0 away win at Chester-le-Street Town, almost a year to the day since beating the same opponents in the Durham Challenge Cup Final. The win increased Consett's chances of overhauling Whitley Bay for the League runners-up spot, whilst leaving their hosts precariously poised four points above the relegation zone.
Ken Lindoe made two changes to the side that won 5-1 at Bedlington three days earlier, with skipper David Johnson returning to the defence in place of John Ewart, while James Platten returned between the sticks in place of Paul Gilmore. |
Aitken saves Jonjo Dickman's header
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The Steelmen dominated the first half but thanks to an inspired goalkeeping performance from Chester keeper Ian Aitken they were unable to find the net before the interval.
Aitken made two breathtaking saves within a minute early in the game. Gary Ormston stabbed a shot towards goal from the edge of the area after being setup by a clever back heel from Jonjo Dickman but the Chester keeper made an excellent one-handed save. This resulted in a corner for the Steelmen which Mattie Moffat headed towards goal but he was denied as Aitken tipped the ball over the bar.
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Mattie Moffat launches himself into a block
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Moffat was presented with another chance midway through the first half from David Pounder’s pull back from the by-line but the tall striker blazed over the bar. Two minutes later the busy Aitken was forced into another save getting a fingertip touch to Mark Patterson’s 25-yard drive.
Aitken denied Moffat again on 27 minutes when he palmed a shot on the turn round the post. He then prevented Dickman getting on the scoresheet by getting down well to save at the foot of the post after the former Darlington midfielder’s header from David Colvin’s cross seemed bound for the bottom corner.
A minute before the break Ormston embarked on a trademark mazy run down the right, exchanging passes with Patterson before firing in a low shot, but Aitken was able to make a more comfortable save than his earlier efforts.
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Half time: Chester 0-0 Consett
Ironically the second half was a bit more even and it was the home side who looked more threatening after the break. Glenn Reay saw a deflected free kick caught by Platten, giving him what to that point had been a rare touch of the ball.
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Just before the hour mark though Consett finally made the breakthrough. Steven Brown won the ball in midfield and played a wall pass with Dickman before drilling home a low shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.
Chester continued to work hard though and midway through the second half thought they’d levelled matters when Danny Craggs’ strike from a tight angle was stopped on the line by Dickman, with Platten gratefully catching the loose ball as it looped up into the air.
Some neat football involving Pounder and Dickman created a chance for Ormston 13 minutes from time but the blond midfielder sliced his effort over the bar.
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Aitken saves again, this time from Moffat
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The game turned on the events of the 80th minute as Chester upped the pressure in search of an equaliser and won a free kick on the edge of the area. From the kick, Healer’s glancing header flashed towards goal and was cleared off the line by David Johnson. The ball was then swiftly sent upfield to Mattie Moffat who cut inside a defender before calmly passing the ball into the bottom corner for his 52nd goal of the season. A matter of seconds after surviving a chance at one end, Consett had made the game safe at the other.
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Jonjo Dickman evades a tackle
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The Steelmen wrapped up the points a minute later when Patterson’s precise through ball set up substitute Steven Johnson who fired the ball under Aitken to take his tally for the season to 32.
With Whitley Bay losing - a defeat which handed the Northern League title to Durham City - this win means that Consett are just one point behind second-placed Whitley Bay, who have played a game fewer.
Full time: Chester 0-3 Consett
JPH |
