by Jeff King
Chester-Le-Street United 6 v 2 Washington United
Tuesday 17th August 2021
The Coaching staff were disappointed, but the only people that could put Saturday's 1 - 0 home defeat at the hands of Gateshead Leam Rangers behind them were the players.
At the end of ninety minutes they had done just that but it took a second half comeback inspired by Micky Spellman to do so. Spellman had missed Saturday's defeat and his importance to the team was emphasised on Tuesday night as he returned in some style.
The first half opened well for United with Cameron Brewis putting them ahead after good work down the right by Ebenezer Adoo. But once again two things came back to haunt the home side in the opening 45 minutes.
Their inability to turn clear cut chances into goals and needlessly giving away set plays meant Washington United took full advantage to lead at half time by 2 - 1. Both goals came from star man Jack Mortimer.
The first a well struck free-kick that gave Arthur Leblond no chance and then poor marking at a corner gave Mortimer a free header which he took full advantage of. Chester though had shown that they could create openings.
The second 45 minutes saw them rip the Washington United defence apart on several occasions with some great sweeping moves and they found a man in Spellman who was up to the finisher's task.
He scored all four goals as United turned a one-goal half-time deficit into a substantial second half lead. His fourth and his side's fifth well created again by the impressive Adoo.
It was left to Brewis to put the icing on the cake with his second goal of the game and Chester's sixth that will send them into another very tough game on Saturday in good heart.
United host Darlington Railway Athletic on Saturday at The RIverside. Darlington RA being one of only two teams unbeaten in the league so far this season.
After the game Director of Football John Gamble gave his assessment of his side's return to form and winning ways.
"The game in the first half was very competitive as both teams looked to play good football. I thought we edged it on chances and took the lead. But Washington capitalised on us giving needless set pieces away and they scored two great goals to lead at half-time."
"In the 2nd half we played with a higher tempo and showed better quality in possession. With our pace we created the chances and the great thing was we converted them."
"We were really pleased overall with the attitude especially in the 2nd half after a disappointment on Saturday. It shows that every game is competitive for this young group as Washington were a well organised and difficult opposition."
Spellman, Brewis and Adoo were very good on the night and I'm really looking forward to the game against Darlington on Saturday which will be another tough one.
TEAM : 1. Arthur Leblond 2. Jayden Timmis 3. George Riley 4. Josh Crews (C) 5. Jak McKinley 6. Taylor Robinson 7. Ebenezer Adoo 8. Lewis Lembikisa 9. Keaton Senagoga 10. Cameron Brewis 11. Michael Spellman
SUBS : 12. Abdullah Alawadhi for Senagoga 14. Alex Fill for Riley 15. Alex Nicholson for Lembikisa 16. James Bakou for Adoo SUB NOT USED : 13. James Anderson
SCORERS : Spellman 4, Brewis 2