Blues Match Report: Buxton 1 - 2 Chester FC

A brace from Jack Bainbridge earned Chester FC all three points on the road at Buxton this afternoon.

Tai Sodje equalised for the Bucks in first-half stoppage time but his goal was sandwiched in between two from our number eight, the first a close-range finish, and the second a fantastic, looped header that sealed victory.

The contest burst into life just after the 20-minute mark as the Seals took the lead from close-range.

Iwan Murray curled a dangerous ball into the six-yard box and caused panic amongst the Bucks’ back line, which allowed Bainbridge the space to poke past Joe Young from close-range and earn a crucial opener.

Nathan Woodthorpe’s long throws looked dangerous throughout the first period, but on numerous occasions the ball was scrambled to safety from inside the Buxton area.

The hosts’ first major opportunity came as Sodje was found by a drilled cross but he couldn’t find a clean connection as the ball ricocheted wide of the post.

Sodje did grab the equaliser shortly after though, as the ball fell to him inside the six-yard box before he struck with power past George Murray-Jones.

Lewis Leigh took aim immediately after the interval but his long-range half-volleyed strike was saved by Young, before Luke Hall missed a great chance to give Buxton the lead as he headed just wide of the post.

It was a header that earned the Seals a second lead of the afternoon, and once again it was Bainbridge who popped up with the goal.

A cross fell to our number eight who sent a delightful, looped effort over the head of Young and into the corner, a fantastic finish at a crucial time for Chester.

Buxton pushed late on for an equaliser but a stubborn defence protected Murray-Jones in the away goal, as the Seals secured all three points..

It’s another quick turnaround for Calum McIntyre’s side who head to Southport for an Enterprise National League North clash in midweek.

CHESTER FC: Murray-Jones, Kelly-Evans, Leak, J. Jones, Carson, Woodthorpe, Leigh (Weeks 72′), Bainbridge, Murray, P. Jones (Woods 85′), Zanzala (Peers 85′).

Subs not used: Barlow, Shorrock, K. Roberts, F. Roberts

Scorers: Bainbridge 21′ 67′, Sodje 45+2′

Attendance: 1,052

You can watch the post-match interview with Blues Boss, Calum McIntyre, here...