City get go ahead to face Bloods.

Byline: NEIL TURNER 

THE Football Association have given Chester City special dispensation, so they can play a friendly match against Droylsden at the Butchers Arms tomorrow.

The game against the Manchester outfit will be City's first public outing of the pre-season. The FA have given permission for the match to go ahead, because all proceeds will be donated to the family of a soldier killed in action in Afghanistan just over 12 months ago.

City, who are still not affiliated to the FA, did play a 'behind closed doors' practice match against a Burnley XI at the Deva Stadium yesterday.

Despite all the off-the-field issues, Chester boss Mick Wadsworth has been pleased with the way his hastily assembled squad have reacted.

"Training has been going great, the spirit amongst the players is excellent," he said. "Naturally the current situation is frustrating for my staff and for the players, but they are all reacting well. Not having any practice matches is a bit like apple crumble without custard, but we just have to get on with it."

Chester owner Stephen Vaughan last night said all the outstanding paperwork and information that had been requested by the FA and the Conference had now been submitted.

"Hopefully both ruling bodies will look at our position sympathetically," said Vaughan. "We were relegated because of sporting merit, we have subsequently since that relegation been deducted 10 points. Hopefully that penalty will be final."

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Chester boss Mick Wadsworth