Chester kept in touch with Conference leaders Yeovil by claiming a victory in a fiery top-of-the-table clash with Southport at Haig Avenue. After a scrappy opening, the game finally sparked into life in 15 frantic minutes just past the half-hour mark. Firstly, Sandgrounders Steve Soley was booked for a late challenge on Paul Carden. Then a minute later, the midfielder was heading back to the dressing room for using foul and abusive language.
Soley on his way to the changing room.
Chester City manager Mark Wright and Sandgrounders boss Phil Wilson clashed at haft time, tempers raised and fists were flying as they went to the changing rooms.
Referee Mr Desmond exchanges words with Wilson during the fracas.
Things got even worse for the home side immediately afterwards when Shaun Carey drilled home a 25-yard scorcher. But the match took another twist when Chester striker Daryl Clare also received his marching orders for reacting to a late challenge from Barry Jones, for which the defender was booked.
Mark Wright during the second half
Paul Carden deservedly doubled Chester's advantage when he fired home a powerful strike from the edge of the area after 57 minutes. Four minutes later, Steve Jones gave the home side a lifeline when he hit the back of the net with a shot from 18 yards.
But midfielder Carl Ruffer clinched victory for City after 83 minutes when he headed home Kevin McIntyre's pinpoint cross for his first goal of the season.
Hand shake after the match from the two managers
Todays mascotts( sorry no names please email me)
One of todays ball boys Ross Paskin.
After the game police lined Haig Avenue keeping supporters apart.
Southport-Welsby, Barry Jones, Clark, Winstanley, Lane, Pickford, Soley, Gibson, Howell, Whitehall, Thomson. Subs: Sullivan, Lloyd-Williams, Steve Jones, Scott, Dickinson.
Chester- Wayne Brown, Guyett, Bolland, Hatswell, Brady, Carden, Carey, Davies, McIntyre, Sugden, Clare. Subs: Ruffer, Beesley, Michael Brown, Woodyatt, Twiss.
Referee: B Desmond (Swindon)
