staged an England amateur trial match involving two referees – an experiment that was largely not considered to be a success. Chester's record Football League victory was registered at Sealand Road in February 1936, when Chester hammered York City 12–0. The stadium was the venue for the Football League debut of a 17-year-old Ian Rush, when Chester drew 2–2 with Sheffield Wednesday in April 1979. During its final four seasons, Sealand Road continuously hosted Third Division football, which meant that Chester enjoyed league action against a number of traditionally bigger clubs who were more familiar with the First and Second Division. Big-name opposition to visit Sealand Road included Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland, Sheffield United and Birmingham City. Today The stadium remained in place for nearly three years after Chester moved out, much to the frustration of supporters who were being forced to travel across Cheshire to watch home games at Macclesfield until the Deva Stadium was opened in August 1992. Sealand Road was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair during this period, with grass growing to a great height. The stadium was finally demolished in 1993 and the site now houses the Sealand Road shopping park, which has nearly of retail space. The stand roof was soon in use by Port Vale for their away enclosure. Chester's new Deva Stadium home is a short walk away along Bumpers Lane. References External links Sealand Road pictures (shortly before demolition) Defunct football venues in England Chester City F.C. stadiums Welsh Cup final venues Sports venues completed in 1906 Sports venues demolished in 1993 English Football League venues Demolished sports venues in the United Kingdom 1906 establishments in England