After last years 8-0 defeat at the hands of the Reserves, some of the lads were dreading brushing off the cobwebs against the Highfield's first XI last Sunday (29th July). Slightly more experienced than last year, although missing a player or two, the ISA lads came out of this 4-2 defeat with a lot of credit.

After going two down in the first half due to stupid defensive mistakes, the lads settled down and began to play a bit. Scott Ditchfield and Kevin Thomas especially looked strong and capable of creating something from midfield. Triallist Paul Woodcock had a good game on the left wing, and it was from his corner that Neil Howell brought a great save out of Ian Tyrell in the Highfield goal.

Minutes later Woodcock nearly scored with a near post effort that Tyrell pushed away. From the resulting corner, taken by Woodcock, Tyrell punched the ball into his own net following (probably illegal) pressure from Neil Howell. 2-1.

Chester City ISA FC side who faced the Highfield FC on Sunday 29th July 2001

(back row left to right) Dave Melson, Kevin Thomas, Andy Caswell, Steve Painter, James Green, Tommy Hollinger, Mark Howell, Lee Miller

(front row left to right) Neil Howell, Paul Woodcock, Graeme Reynolds, Steven Sandbach, Paul Brazier (player manager), Scott Ditchfield, Mark Howcroft 

It was into the second half when The Highfield extended their lead to 3-1 with a scrappy goal from a corner, to which the lads replied with a very well worked goal. Great interplay from Ditchfield and Thomas sent Ditchfield wide on the right. His sliding cross was perfect for new signing Tommy Hollinger to head home from ten yards.

As the teams tired chances were missed at both ends, with the Highfield lads particularly guilty of a few misses. Good work by man of the match Ditchfield saw Hollinger head wide, whilst Lee Miller and Scott Ditchfield both forced Tyrell into good saves in the second half.

In the last couple of minutes the Highfield substitute Andy Hollinger picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and let go a screaming shot which James Green could only help on it's way into the stanchion. So the final score 4-2, perhaps could have (and should have!) been more, but a good workout was had by both sides on a hard pitch in hot weather.