Chris Priest (footballer)

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For other people of the same name, see Christopher Priest

Chris Priest (born October 18, 1973, Leigh) is a former an English professional footballer who is believed to have scored the final Football League goal of the 20th Century when playing for Macclesfield Town.^[1]

[edit] Playing Career

A midfielder, Priest began his career as an apprentice with Everton, where he turned professional in June 1992. However, he failed to make a first–team appearance and his first taste of league action was to come when on loan at Football League Division Two strugglers Chester City during 1994–95. He spent two months on loan with the club early in the season, scoring in a shock 2–0 win over league leaders Oxford United, and then signed on a permanent basis later in the campaign.

Priest remained with Chester for four years, playing regularly before opting to join fellow Third Division side Macclesfield Town on the Bosman ruling in July 1999.^[2] Priest would again give long service to his employers, with his five years at Moss Rose including his historic last minute winner against Carlisle United on December 28, 1999, and a televised FA Cup tie against West Ham United on January 6, 2002.

His final appearance for the Silkmen against Bury on May 8, 2004 was to also be his final Football League appearance, as he was released and joined Bangor City in the Welsh Premier League. After two years with the Citizens, Priest signed for Colwyn Bay. It is not clear if he is currently still playing.