Chester City 1 Barnet 0

Last updated : 15 November 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Chester came out of this top of the table clash with three more valuable points after another dominant performance against third placed Barnet.

Chester dominated the first half completely, with numerous attacks coming from the left flank. Alex Smith, who was making his home debut for the Blues, was in inspirational form providing creativity in the midfield.

But the game erupted into life two minutes before the interval when Shaun Carey's late challenge on Simon King cause a melee that involved almost every player.

As calm was restored Carey found himself yellow carded and Barnet's resulting free-kick ricocheted of the wall.

This incident sparked the home supporters into life and the Blues began to push further forward in the dying stages of the first half.

The home supporters did not have to wait much longer for a goal to come. Man of the match Smith scored a sensational goal from over 30 yards out that even David Beckham would have been proud of.

He got hold of a pass from Ben Davies, turned and shot left-footed floating the ball into the top left-hand corner of the goal.

Shell-shocked Barnet never recovered in the second half and the Blues almost doubled their advantage in the 56th minute.

A Kevin McIntyre corner found Darryn Stamp unmarked but he headed straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Barnet nearly scored an equaliser in the 76th minute with a rare attack when substitute Lee Roach found himself with a great opportunity inside the box.

However, he only managed to shoot narrowly wide of the left post when he should have done much better.

Barnet continued to push forward in an attempt to equalise with a number of attacks and corners but they were unable to break down a resolute Chester defence that cleared the danger with ease.