Match 23
30th November 1991
Chester City (home)

Philip Knowles sees the same match When the going gets tough, the tough get going
EXETER CITY 0
CHESTER CITY 0

In a dull and uninspiring match both teams found it tough, but neither really got going. The City defence could not however be thwarted with Scott Hiley wearing the captain's armband in place of the injured Tom Kelly. Both Hiley and left-back Andy Cook did exceptionally well and allowed FA Cup hero Kevin Miller a quiet game in goal.

The first hope of excitement for the 3,235 crowd came in the 17th minute. A John Hodge cross was headed wide by Gary Chapman. Miller did need to save from Stuart Rimmer after he had found a way past Cook and Brian Croft also fired into the side netting from the edge the area.

At the other end Vince Hilaire should have done better after 31 minutes following a corner from Paul Wimbleton which the goalkeeper missed, unfortunately he headed into the ground.

In the second half Wimbleton took too long before shooting after Cook had set him up. On 62 minutes Hiley, obviously fed up with the innocuous form of those in front of him, ran from his own half and fired in a powerful effort from 30 yards that just dipped over the bar.

The introduction of Gary Marshall and David Cole for Hilaire and Chapman had little effect on the game. The visitors should have undeservedly sewn up the match when the usually lethal Rimmer contrived to hit the post after he had got past the defenders and Miller.

If City are to maintain a high league position they must do something to put right the lack of fire-power. Will Alan Ball be Christmas shopping in the transfer market this year?

Editor writes: Football supporters are such a fickle bunch aren't we? Early in the season we had accepted that we had no chance of avoiding relegation. Then came the trans formation and everyone hastily talked of promotion. Now comes the lull. Our gates are significantly down, they have never reflected the support that Alan Ball and his team have deserved since the disastrous start, and we are looking to strengthen. Alan Ball is more aware than anyone that we need a forward (preferably a gert big 'un) but the present rate is around £1.5m for such a player. In recent times he has been all over the country seeking the right players at the right price. Surely the support has to improve to show clear support for the manager and his players and to provide a glimmer of hope that we might be able to support a second division team. Otherwise, what is the point?

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