THE Under-18s continued their pre-season preparations with a successful trip to Scotland at the weekend.

The club were visiting Kelty FC, a semi-professional club from Dunfermline, for games against the hosts Under-17 and Under-21 sides.

On Saturday, Chester beat the Under-17s 12-0 - despite leading only 2-0 at the interval. A second half hat-trick by Jonathan Taylor as well as goals by Daniel Graham (2), Steven Dawson (2), Andrew Smith (2), Mark Adamson, Paul McDonald and Craig Watson ensured a rout.

Sunday's match was played in a difficult playing conditions which included a torrential downpour. The U21s started brightly and could have had a couple of early goals before Chester settled into a pattern. The home side tried to force their strength on the game but Chester competed and got stronger as the match went on. Substitute Daniel Newby opened the scoring with a bulleted header from a corner in the 68th minute. Within a minute, Jonathan Taylor's superb run and cross was judged to have gone just out of play as Daniel Graham buried it into the net. Graham was not to be outdone though and got Chester's second goal in the 90th minute after good work by Mark Adamson.

Meanwhile, 11 of the clubs squad have been selected for Durham County FA's Under-18s preliminary trial sessions. Mark Adamson, Shaun Beckwith, Robert Draper, Andrew Coulson, Michael Renshaw, David Lowther, Karl Haggon, Jonathan Taylor, Harry Flynn, Daniel Graham and Andrew Smith are all in the pre-selection squad which totals approximately 40 players.

Chester's season gets underway this weekend with a home game against Champions Whitley Bay. The Cestrians are struggling for a squad though six players unavailable including Mark Adamson who is on duty with England Schooboys.

The Under-18s completed their pre-season games with a 4-1 win at Consett on Wednesday evening. Paul McDonald (2), Daniel Newby and Craig Watson got the goals. In addition, Daniel Newby has been added to the County FA squad taking the number of trialists from Chester-le-Street up to 12.

Auckland and District EBAC Youth League

The League faces an official crises as it's is short of referees. League secretary Bob Farms has enough officials for the opening day of the season on Saturday, August 31, but he needs more on the list to provide cover for later cup and league matches.

"We would like to hear from referees for our under-18 league", said Mr. Farms, who can be contacted on (01388) 818192.

Revised league fixtures for Saturday, August 31: Barnard Castle v Coundon & Leeholme, Ferryhill v Chilton YC, Newton Aycliffe v Meadowfield, Spennymoor Legion v Bishop Auckland.