Northwich Vics 1

Chester City 2

ENGLAND schoolboy international Gary Fletcher shined as manager Mark Gardiner gave his youngsters a chance in their opening pre-season friendly against Chester.

The 17-year-old striker came on as substitute to partner Neil Illman in the Vics front-line as they trailed 2-0.

The pairing paid off and Fletcher grabbed his first goal for the first team with a powerful shot past Chester 'keeper Wayne Brown.

The Third Division outfit had dominated the first half and took a 2-0 lead with goals from John Murphy and Luke Beckett.

Gardiner brought himself on to bolster the midfield as well as introducing Illman for Nathan Peel at half-time.

The switch, as well as the introduction of Fletcher, sparked Vics into life and they were unlucky not to earn a draw.

Despite the result, Gardiner was delighted with the overall team performance.

He said: ""We were without six first team regulars but I thought we played reasonably well.

"Gary Fletcher did well. I already knew he had the ability and I wanted to see how he dealt playing in the first team.

"He's really only played youth team football so it's important to get him involved and acclimatised to 'proper' football."

The match allowed Gardiner to view three trialists in action - left back Matthew Cross from Hereford, former Rotherham right wing back Gary Scott and centre forward David Gray, an ex-Rochdale player - with Gray looking particularly promising before blisters forced him off at half-time.

Added Gardiner: "I hadn't met Gray until match day. I was told he was quick but didn't imagine he'd be 6ft 2ins as well.

"He did well, winning the ball in the air and also showing a bit of pace. Unfortunately he went off but I'll be looking at them all again on Thursday."

Vics take on Division Two side Burnley at The Drill Field, kick off 7.30pm.

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