Blyth Spartans 1 Chester FC 3

The longest away trip of the season and it was well worth the effort. Chester had lost the last five games, only picked up five points away from home all season and not won in the North East for 3 years so it was a relief to finally see them secure a deserved victory.

I've broken with tradition and for my extra posted a photo of me holding the Debenham's Cup kindly taken by the Blyth chairman. I will be surprised if anyone knows anything about this trophy.

 It was only contested twice and the winners in 1977 were Chester while Blyth won it the year after. It was a competition for the two teams outside the top two divisions who progressed furthest in the FA Cup. In 1976/77 Chester reached the 5th Round, which was their best ever performance, and they beat Port Vale in the Debenhams Cup final over two games at the end of the season. I was at the 2nd leg where Chester overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate.

What is interesting about the trophy is that it went missing for around 40 years until it was discovered in a Debenhams store room by a Blyth historian and is now displayed in their boardroom. 

It is one of the few national trophies that Chester have ever won and is a competition fondly remembered by us supporters. I am the first Chester fan to hold the trophy since 1977.