Chester 2-2 Southend

By Matt Jones
March 6 2005

Chester City FC earned a valuable two all draw yesterday with promotion chasing Southend United FC at the Deva Stadium in League Two.

For Ian Rush, it was a must not lose game, or his job was going to be given to someone else. Whilst Chester fans may want Rush out, a draw they will feel happy with, as Rush may still leave, and CHester may still have survival hopes with Rush.

Chester got the best possible start, going into a 1-0 lead afer just eight and a half minutes. Michael Walsh struck a sweet, left footed 20-yard shot into the bottom corner, from a Michael Branch assist. This was to be Branch's first of two assists - my man of the match for a solid game alround.
However, just before half time, Southend euqalised. A well taken free kick from Gower leveled the game in the 37th minute and thats how it stayed until half time.

The second half brought each team a second goal. Once again, Chetser took the lead after, in just the 49th minute. Ben Davies netted from close range after some great work down the right and the good cross from Branch, carving the Southend defence open. Ben Davies didn't please the referee to much however with his goal celebration - breaking the corner flag in the process!
However, for the second time in the game, City could't hold onto the lead. They once again let their concentration slip right at the end where it matters and conceeded another free kick. Southend took advantage of this, and Eastwood netted to secure a 2-2 draw and a point for Southend.