Bees take the points in 10 goal thriller

The Bees, on the back of only their third league loss all year, came to Chester with good intentions and were prepared well for the 12.30pm sunshine filled game. However, it was soon soured as the home team struck within the first 2 minutes, the attacker given far too much time and space at the top of the D to pick out the bottom corner with a well hit shot.

The Bees pressed forward and settled into the game. Gareth Hampton had the best chance to equalise but dragged his shot wide. It wasn't long after, however as the captain made amends by playing a nice pass to Antony Rigby who finished after cutting in from the left. The pressure continued and Richard Greenhough added to his impressive tally to put the Bees up 2-1 at the break.

The second half started well for South Manchester as they cruised into a 5-1 winning lead. Hampton scored a lovely flick from a Tom Ainsley short corner and a decent hand save from Dean Colasurdo led to a counter attack which Hampton then scored his second. Tom Hornsby also got on the scoresheet after tireless running from Vivek Tharaken, Michael Blackwood and Matthew Bottomley in midfield. Alan Leonard and Sean Stewart performed their usual, disciplined full back roles and played much further up, helping build attacking plays.

Chester did not give up and continued to press with their patient build up play. The home team gave some confidence after the attacking winger cut inside Patrick Souter before slicing a nice shot on the reverse, completely wrong footing the keeper. Then Mark Scholes was outdone by the Chester attacker who must have been approaching retirement who finished well past the onrushing Colasurdo to make it 5-3. Greenhough restored the 3 goal margin with Ainsley gaining his third assist of the day but a late short corner goal from Chester meant the game was kept close.

Joint man of the match between Scholes and Hampton and a good performance despite the relatively close scoreline. The Bees now know that a win next week home to Neston will secure second place and possible promotion.