By Webmaster
September 25 2002

A second half fight back keeps Mark Wright's Chester City on top of the Nationwide Conference. City's Ryan Sugden was the hero last night with an impressive brace. Chester City - W Brown, Guyett, Bolland, Ruffer, Harkness, Kelly, McIntyre, Blackburn, Carden, Twiss, Sugden.

With both Yeovil and Doncaster a win away from knocking City off the top of the conference table, Mark Wright and his team new only a win would do against a Burton Albion side that have taken 10 from 12 points on their travels.

A more defensive midfield began the fixture with Paul Carden getting his chance after 2 weeks on the sidelines. Ryan Sugden partnered Michael Twiss upfront and both Dave Cameron and Martyn Lancaster made a substitute appearance.

Chester held their own in the first half but were unable to break down the strong Burton back line.A few half chances were spurned by Kelly and Sugden before Sugden was played through but failed to beat the keeper. Scott Guyett was replaced by Martyn Lancaster at the back.

In the second half all was different with Chester shooting towards the home fans. Jimmy Kelly had two long range efforts fly over with Chester controlling the game. The equalising goal came after a freekick which was blocked, Ryan Sugden somehow got the ball through an area with all 11 Burton players in it and past Duke in the Albion Goal.

With over 30 minutews remaining Chester continued to push forward and brough on duo Micky Brown and Dave Cameron. Carden shot over from 12 yards after good work from Chris Blackburn and Sugden mishit when well placed.

Just when it seemed that it wasn't going to happen for City a Steve Harkness through ball put Sugden through who calmly curled past Duke to keep City at the top of the conference on 81 minutes.

The final 10 minutes were nervy for City but Albion created no clear cut chances and failed to trouble Brown.

City's next fixture is away at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. Two coaches will be making the journey to west Yorkshire.