Chester le Street Town crashed to a 5-1 defeat at home to Ryhope CW in the FA Vase. With eight players missing, Chester had to make several changes to the squad. Ryhope took the lead in the 6th minute, when the ball was played down the left to James Ellis who turned inside to fire a shot across goal into the far corner of the net. Chester created an opening after 12 minutes when the ball was moved down the left and crossed towards Wayne Whitfield but he failed to get a good contact with the ball and his shot went wide of the post. Ryhope doubled their lead after 21 minutes A corner from the right was cleared to the edge of the box but it was immediately played to Ellis in some space and he lifted a shot towards the far post and although Jack Wilson got his hand to the ball it went into the net off the post. Ryhope increased their advantage after 30 minutes when the ball was played to Nathaniel Skidmore on the edge of the area and he turned well to fire a good low shot into the corner of the net. After 34 minutes, a corner from the right was met by Jake Winship but his firm header brought a good save from Wilson. Ryhope added a fourth goal after 53 minutes when a ball into the area found Michael Rae in space and he was allowed to turn unchallenged and he fired home. After 61 minutes, a corner from the left was met by Thomas Bott but his header lacked pace and Wilson made a comfortable save. Chester pulled a goal back after 73 minutes when the ball was played through the middle to Jack Oliver and he raced forwards to fire into the corner. Ryhope completed the scoring after 81 minutes when a ball into the Chester area was only headed clear to the edge and Rae hit a great first-time shot which found the top corner of the net, giving Jack Wilson no chance . So, Chester suffered their first defeat of the season. It was a good reminder of the playing against first division clubs who are a lot faster on the ball, close you down well, produce clinical finishes and punish you for nearly every defensive mistake.
Attendance : 116
Match Officals: Mr. Matthew Cain, East Herrington , Mr. Ryan Bird, Seaham & Mr. Ian Steward, Silksworth
