by Jeff King
It was an outstanding all-round team performance from Chester-le-Street on Saturday. They recorded a 4 - 0 win at Durham Corinthians for their second successive away success in the Wearside League to move them up to 4th place in the table.
Amongst many fine individual performances there was one player making his first start for the club, Louise Watts, who put in a great shift in the centre of midfield. The youngster was released by Sunderland AFC in the summer but is determined to show he's still got what it takes to move back to a higher level.
I caught up with Louis after the game and first of all asked him for his thoughts on the game.
"I thought we started off quite well to be fair. We were getting in their faces, pressing and doing all the little normal stuff that we had to do right. We followed the game plan and then got a goal early on."
"We then came out really well in the second half, upped our game to another level, got a few goals and they couldn't deal with us really."
As mentioned it was Louis first start for United and whilst I felt he had a really solid game and controlled the centre of midfield with his two partners Taylor Robinson and Ryan Muldoon I was interested in how Louis thought he had played.
"It was my first start and I'm just trying to get my fitness back up to speed. I've played a few halves and minutes here and there. I felt like I did all right. Got on the ball quite a lot and tried to dictate the play when I could. I've just got to get fitter and keep driving on."
I then asked what it was like playing in this Chester side and the Wearside League.
"It's a side that really tries to get the ball down and play football which suits me. I'm also not used to playing in men's football so that's a new experience for me. I'm enjoying it at the minute because it's another step up because of the physicality of the game but yes, I'm enjoying it."
Louis was released this year by Sunderland and a few of the coaching staff at the League 1 Club were surprised as the 19-year-old was a member of the Under-23 squad well below the age level.
"I was out of the game for a few months and it was upsetting as I'd been there for a few years. But I'm here now back playing with a great set of lads and really enjoying it. It was a conversation that we had together. Chester wanted me to come and I wanted to come and it's working out well at the moment."
So, what are Louis' aspirations for the rest of the season?
"To get fitter, see out the rest of the season, hopefully get a few goals and assists, goal contributions and get some good performances in and just see where that takes me."
On the evidence of Saturday's performance and the cameo appearances from the bench it could take Louis far. He's obviously got a lot of talent and his style of play is very suited to the Chester-le-Street United style.
He's settled well at the club and looks as if he's going to be a very good addition to the squad. He seems to have a very good attitude, will to succeed and knows he has to work hard at his game to give himself a shot at moving back into league football.