Chester-le-Street Town 1-3 Newcastle Chemfica, Wednesday 21st July 2021

Chester-le-Street Town 1-3 Newcastle Chemfica, Friendly, Moor Park, att. c.50

After yesterday’s relatively long journey to see Wakefield AFC, it was nice to be close to home tonite, a short dash down the A1 to Chester Moor, the out of town location of Chester-le-Street Town FC. I’ve always thought its isolated location accounted for their poor crowds. Even though it’s right next to the old A1 (now the A167) hundreds of vehicles must pour past it everyday without the drivers even knowing about it, as it’s hidden behind a row of bungalows and a pub, The Chester Moor. Still, there’s plenty of on-site parking, in addition to a social club complementing the aforementioned pub.

Another reason for poor attendances might also be the Cestrians inauspicious Northern League history. Since joining in 1983-84, their highs have been 2 second division titles. A bit like nearby Newcastle United’s history since then too, funnily enough. Chester also play in black and white – though hoops not stripes.

As with most Northern League grounds, there’s one entrance, with a small hut and man inside taking the money. I’ve been before, 30+ years ago, for a match against Barnsley under 18s (3-1 to Chester) but I remember nought about that one, save for pestering my dad to take me. Tonite’s visitors for second division Chester are another side from division 2 – of the Northern Football Alliance, Newcastle Chemfica. I’d never heard of them before, and I’m not too the wiser having Googled them. Suffice to say, Chester started as favourites but 2 early goals from the Chemfica centre forward laid on a very comfortable victory for the visitors. 3-1 final score and a late consolation for the Cestrians which, as the defenders protested, was definitely offside. I happened to be level with the defence when the ball was played in but I guess the lino had switched off. Pre-season friendlies are for officials to gain match fitness too!

The stadium was quite tidy, with cover on 3 sides. At the end you enter, there’s a low roof over the path leading to the Main Stand (no terrace though), while the opposite end holds a decent sized terrace with high steps. Imagine the rake of a normal terrace, but with every other step taken out. There was cover at the back of the terrace, possibly old pre fab bus shelters. In my mind’s eye I can definitely picture seeing one of these in the street. The Main Stand was a modern affair, high enough up, though uncomfortable bucket seats. I gave up at half time for a wander, though the sun going in meant I was feeling a wee bit chilly in shorts and t-shirt. Still, it allowed me to check out the far touchline, another side without terrace, but backing onto a wood. Good luck finding the ball in there.

The Damage:
£3 ent
= £3

The Tunes:
Mixmag Sept 09 (Rob Da Bank)