Blues Match Report: Chester 1 - 0 Bedford Town

A late Kofi Moore strike saw Chester FC return to winning ways against Bedford Town at the Deva Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It took 25 minutes for a shot to be registered, after an evenly contested start to the game in blustery conditions down CH1.

Ruben Butt saw his free-kick effort hit the outside of the right post, after Sam Reed was brought down from 20 yards out, which invigorated the tie.

Seven minutes later, the visitors had their first dangerous chance as Josh Castiglione’s low-struck finish was brilliantly cleared off the line by Jake Griffin.

Moore came close on numerous occasions at the end of the first half, including a high and wide effort from just inside the box, as well as magnificent link up play with Reed before the right midfielder’s low cross was blocked.

Five minutes into the second half, Moore once again threatened as his cross was scrambled away by Bedford goalkeeper Laurie Walker.

In the 51st minute, Billy Waters came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock after his effort from just outside the six-yard box was dragged wide.

The Eagles also came close just moments later, as an in-swinging corner from Castiglione nearly found its way in, however Hewitson stretched and tipped the ball over.

Woodthorpe made a darting run into the box in the 76th minute and found himself in a dangerous position but was unable to pick out a player in blue.

Sharp footwork from Connor Woods inside the opposing box had the Chester faithful on their feet, however his cross was met by Tom Peers who flicked over and wide.

The breakthrough came in the 89th minute, as Kofi Moore, who was extremely dangerous throughout the 90, was rewarded with his first goal for the Seals as an exquisite hit from 25 yards out bounced into the left corner of the net.

With nine minutes added on, Bedford pressured the Blues’ box with plentiful crosses into the area, but the seals hung on for the clean sheet and a crucial three points.

Phil Parkinson’s men are next in action on Tuesday 20th October at the Deva Community Stadium, where they host Hyde United in the First Round of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Starting XI: Hewitson, Burroughs, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Griffin, Waters, Foley, Abreu, Moore, Reed, Butt.

Substitutes: Mackin, Peers, McHale, Murphy, Burgess, Woods, Boggan.

Scorers: Moore 89′

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