Chester City

Hand completes Chester transfer
Chester City boss Mark Wright has continued his squad re-building with the signing of midfielder Jamie Hand. Hand previously played under Wright at Peterborough and ended the season with a loan spell at Northampton Town. The 22-year-old earlier made over 50 league appearances for Watford before leaving Vicarage Road in January. Meanwhile, Chester goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie, 34, has rejected a new contract and joined League Two rivals Shrewsbury Town.

Barrow becomes Wright's assistant
Chester City have appointed former boss Graham Barrow as their new assistant-manager. Barrow, 51, has had two previous spells in charge at the Deva Stadium and will act as number-two to current Blues boss Mark Wright. "It is a dream ticket as far as I am concerned," said Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan. Barrow has held managerial posts at Wigan, Rochdale and Bury. His stint at Bury ended last September.

Chester allow six players to exit
Chester City have allowed six more players to leave the Deva Stadium. Goalkeeper Ryan Brookfield, who made just one substitute appearance for Chester is among the players to leave. Carl Regan, Luke Dimech, Tom Curtis, Marcus Richardson and Abdou El Kholti have all been informed that new contracts are not available. Meanwhile, defender Sean Hessey, 27, and midfielder Paul Rutherford, 18, have both been offered new deals to stay with the Blues.

Shrews win race to snap up Davies
Shrewsbury have completed the signing of Chester striker Ben Davies. The 24-year-old has agreed a three-year contract at Gay Meadow after turning down the offer of a new deal at the Deva Stadium. Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters told the club website: "We've signed him and it was against severe opposition from other clubs who wanted his signature. "Northampton, Bristol City, Port Vale and Yeovil all wanted him and some of them were willing to offer more money."

Ravenhill seals Chester transfer
Chester City have finally wrapped up the signing of Doncaster midfielder Ricky Ravenhill on a two-year contract. Rovers accepted a bid for the 25-year-old on 1 July after agreeing to place him on the transfer list. Doncaster-born Ravenhill started his career as a trainee at Barnsley and is understood to have joined Chester for a five-figure transfer fee. He played 35 games last season scoring three goals, and in total he made 159 appearances for Rovers.

Chester capture Exeter's Cronin
Chester have completed the signing of Exeter midfielder Glenn Cronin. Cronin, 24, was capped for the Republic of Ireland at under-18 level and has signed a two-year contract. He progressed through the youth ranks with the Grecians and signed his first professional contract at the club during the summer of 2000. A knee injury kept Cronin sidelined during the 2004/05 season, but on his return to action last term he claimed the Exeter player of the year award.

Chester 2-0 Accrington
Chester spoiled Accrington's return to the Football League as Drewe Broughton and Gregg Blundell both scored to complete a comfortable win. The unmarked Broughton headed Laurence Wilson's cross in after 15 minutes as Chester started in dominant fashion. Andy Todd and Romuald Boco went closest for Stanley, but Chester were always in command after their early goal. Blundell picked himself up after Robbie Williams' 84th-minute foul to score the penalty and make sure of the points. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chester: Danby, Linwood, Westwood, Artell, Stephen Vaughan (Marples 83), Bennett, Martinez (McSporran 70), Hand, Wilson, Broughton (Blundell 57), Walters. Subs Not Used: Allen, Rutherford. Booked: Martinez, Artell, Stephen Vaughan, Hand. Goals: Broughton 15, Blundell 86 pen. Accrington Stanley: Dunbavin, Cavanagh, Welch, Williams, Richardson, Doherty (Todd 15), Craney, Proctor (Harris 75), Roberts, Mullin (Mangan 62), Boco. Subs Not Used: Brown, Edwards. Booked: Williams, Harris. Att: 3,779 Ref: P Dowd (Staffordshire).

Hereford 2-0 Chester
Stuart Fleetwood scored one goal and set up another as Hereford made it two wins from three games on their return to the Football League. Hereford broke the deadlock in the 71st minute when Fleetwood tucked the ball neatly past John Danby. Fleetwood then provided the through ball for Richard Rose to double the lead and make the points safe. Striker Drewe Broughton was lively for Chester but he could not prevent the loss of his side's 100% record. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hereford: Tynan, Travis, Gulliver, Beckwith, Giles, Williams, Rose, Ferrell, Purdie, Sills, Fleetwood. Subs Not Used: Lewis, Wallis, Connell, McClenahan, Osborn. Goals: Fleetwood 71, Rose 73. Chester: Danby, Linwood, Westwood, Artell, Stephen Vaughan (Marples 74), Bennett (Ravenhill 47), Martinez, Hand, Wilson, Broughton (Blundell 62), Walters. Subs Not Used: Allen, McSporran. Att: 3,834. Ref: A Bates (Staffordshire).

Striker Branch may leave Chester
Chester City striker Michael Branch has attracted interest over a potential move away from the Deva Stadium. Branch, 27, was taken off the transfer list earlier this summer, but is yet to figure in the side this season. City chairman Stephen Vaughan told the Daily Post: \"We have had enquiries from both Gillingham and Rochdale about taking Michael on loan.\" But Gills boss Ronnie Jepson told Sir Stanley that Branch was offered to them, but Jepson turned down the move.

Chester v Wrexham
Chester are likely to have wing-back Kevin Sandwith available after injury for Sunday's derby clash with Wrexham. Striker Drewe Broughton has recovered from a head injury and Phil Bolland (shoulder) is back in training. Wrexham defenders Shaun Pejic and Lee Roche are available for the first time this season as the Dragons begin life without centre-back Dennis Lawrence. Midfielder Darren Ferguson (toe) is set to return after missing last week's draw with Peterborough.

Chester 1-2 Wrexham
Wrexham survived heavy late pressure to clinch a derby win at Chester Striker Neil Roberts gave Wrexham a 42nd-minute lead with a penalty and midfielder Mark Jones added a second on 52 minutes with an 18-yard lob. Chester had Ricky Ravenhill sent off after 25 minutes for violent conduct and Wrexham's Steve Evans was dismissed after a second booking on 77 minutes. James Hand's 81st-minute goal sparked a Chester revival as Wrexham's Danny Williams cleared off the line late on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chester: Danby, Linwood, Westwood (Marples 45), Artell, Wilson, Ravenhill, Hand, Martinez, Stephen Vaughan, Walters (Broughton 75), Blundell (Holroyd 75). Subs Not Used: Palethorpe, Rutherford. Sent Off: Ravenhill (25). Goals: Hand 81. Wrexham: Ingham, Spender (Mike Williams 77), Steve Evans, Pejic, Valentine, Mark Jones, Danny Williams, Crowell, Done (Newby 65), Llewellyn, Roberts. Subs Not Used: Michael Jones, Mackin, Johnson. Sent Off: Steve Evans (77). Booked: Steve Evans, Valentine. Goals: Roberts 42 pen, Mark Jones 52. Att: 4,206. Ref: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).

Leeds 1-0 Chester
Eirik Bakke grabbed the winner to secure a win for Leeds against a plucky Chester in the first round of the Carling Cup. League Two side Chester frustrated their Championship rivals before Bakke struck in the 57th minute. The midfielder helped set up Eddie Lewis for a low shot which visiting keeper Paul Linwood could only slice against his own post. Bakke then seized on the loose ball to score to the relief of the home fans. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leeds: Sullivan, Richardson, Gregan, Foxe (Kilgallon 89), Crainey, Carole, Bakke, Westlake, Lewis, Blake (Healy 89), Beckford (Moore 74). Subs Not Used: Howson, Rose. Booked: Gregan, Beckford. Goals: Bakke 57. Chester: Danby, Artell, Linwood, Westwood, Stephen Vaughan, Hand, Martinez (Rutherford 81), Wilson, Blundell, Broughton (Holroyd 72), Walters. Subs Not Used: Marples, McSporran, Palethorpe. Booked: Linwood, Westwood, Martinez, Holroyd. Att: 10,013. Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).

FA set to investigate fan attack
The Football Association is poised to investigate after a Chester player was attacked by a Torquay fan after the 2-2 draw at Plainmoor on Saturday. The player was struck by a corner flag wielded by a man who was then taken to Torquay police station, and has since been banned for life by the Gulls. Chairman Mike Bateson told the club's website: \"The referee will submit an 'extraordinary incident' report. \"An FA inquiry will follow, and there could be repercussions.\" Bateson added that the man had been issued with an £80 fixed penalty ticket by the police. \"The FA has many powers in this matter, ranging from a fine to an order to play behind closed doors,\" he said. \"We hope the prompt action we have taken will allow the FA to be lenient. \"It is fortunate that the corner post is made of lightweight plastic, otherwise the incident could have been far more serious. \"The supporter has apologised unreservedly, and we must thank the Chester City player and management for not pressing charges against him.\"

Chester 0-2 Swindon
Lee Peacock scored twice as League Two leaders Swindon maintained their 100% start to the season. Peacock converted a Jack Smith free-kick to open the scoring before Laurence Wilson forced a great save from Swindon keeper Peter Brezovan. Swindon's Jerel Ifil saw red with 20 minutes left, picking up his second yellow card for kicking the ball away. But Peacock headed home Andy Nicholas' free-kick four minutes later to secure victory for the visiting team. Chester: Danby, Linwood, Hessey, Artell, Stephen Vaughan, Hand, Martinez, Sandwith (Holroyd 69), Walters, Broughton (Blundell 59), Wilson. Subs Not Used: Marples, Bennett, Allen. Booked: Martinez, Hessey. Swindon: Brezovan, Jack Smith, Ifil, Nicholas, Comyn-Platt, Shakes, Weston (Caton 82), Evans, Brown, Roberts (Pook 73), Peacock (Onibuje 90). Subs Not Used: Brownlie, Jutkiewicz. Sent Off: Ifil (70). Booked: Shakes, Ifil, Jack Smith. Goals: Peacock 48, 74. Att: 3,382 Ref: D Foster (Tyne & Wear).

Chester ponder move for Wijnhard
Chester City boss Mark Wright is to weigh up a move for former Leeds and Huddersfield striker Clyde Wijnhard. Wijnhard, 32, is a free agent after leaving Macclesfield Town at the end of last season and is to spend time training with Chester. Wright told his club's website: \"Clyde is a proven goal-scorer who has an excellent goals per game ratio. \"We knew he was available so we will have a look at him in training and obviously he will have a look at us.\"

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