Blues Match Report: Chester 0 - 1 Merthyr Town

A first-half strike from Lee Lucas proved the difference as Chester fell to a narrow 1 - 0 defeat against Merthyr Town at the Deva Community Stadium.

The Seals enjoyed much of the possession throughout the contest but were unable to find a way past a resilient Merthyr defence and goalkeeper Jaimie Cogman.

Chester started brightly and controlled large periods of the-first half.

Connor Woods went close when his effort drifted narrowly wide, while Jake Griffin headed over from a promising position as the hosts looked to make their pressure count.

Despite dominance on the ball, it was the visitors who struck just before the interval.

Merthyr broke forward on the counter-attack and the ball fell kindly to Lee Lucas inside the area who sent a composed effort into the corner.

Phil Parkinson’s side looked to respond after the break, with Kofi Moore introduced at half-time.

The Seals remained patient in possession and began to create chances. Sam Reed forced Cogman into a smart save after working space inside the area, before going even closer moments later.

Reed’s effort looked destined for the top corner, but Cogman produced an outstanding stop to tip the ball onto the crossbar and preserve Merthyr’s advantage.

Chester continued to push for an equaliser during the closing stages but were unable to find a breakthrough as Merthyr held on to secure all three points.

Starting XI: Hewitson, Burroughs, Woodthorpe, Weeks (85′), Griffin, Peers (66′), Waters (72′), Ward, Murphy (79′), Woods (45′), Reed.

Substitutes: Mackin, Hazel (72′), Burgess, Foley (79′), Abreu (85′), Boggan (66′), Moore (45′).

Attendance: 2087

You can watch the post-match interview with Blues Boss, Phil Patkinson, here...