Blues Match Report: Chester 1 - 0 Spennymoor Town

A memorable night at the Deva Stadium saw Chester FC go level on points with the top of the National League North as a late goal claimed all three points against Spennymoor Town.

Dan Mooney, who re-joined the Blues just hours before the contest, showed composure to finish well past Brad James in the away goal to cause carnage down CH1.

Connor Woods miscued the first effort of the night as the ball fell to him just inside the box but the ball spun away from the top corner.

It was a quiet contest at the Deva Stadium, with limited goal-mouth action inside the first 30 minutes.

Kurt Willoughby had the first major chance just after the half-hour mark when he sent a drilled strike towards goal from close-range but he thwarted by a fine save from Brad James.

James was involved again as the interval neared, when the shot-stopper pushed a Declan Weeks free-kick on to the foot of Jack Bainbridge who smashed just over on the half-volley.

Bainbridge also had the first opportunity for the Blues in the second period when he shot from range but the goalkeeper was equal to it.

A dangerous, low corner from the visitors caused slight panic inside the Chester box, but an organised Seals defence managed to clear, before Glen Taylor had another chance in quick succession but he dragged his drilled free-kick wide of Jimmy Storer’s goal.

Harrison Burke had netted in his last three outings before this one and he came agonisingly close to a fourth on the bounce with a glanced effort that forced James into an impressive stop.

Calum McIntyre made two additions to his squad before the match, and one had a second debut to remember under the lights.

Dan Mooney was re-introduced to the Blues faithful with around half an hour left on the clock, and it’s safe to say he left an impression on the contest.

In the 82nd minute Nathan Woodthorpe hit a powerful, dangerous strike that looked destined to land in the far corner, but it struck the post and bounced back to Mooney.

The 25-year-old curled a low finish into the bottom corner, a moment that caused bedlam all over the Deva Stadium.

The Blues kept it tight for the final few moments to claim a memorable victory, and three points that lifted the Seals level with Kidderminster Harriers at the top of the National League North, before a trip to Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER FC: Storer, K. Roberts, Burke, Rawlinson, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Bainbridge, Murray, Woods (Mottley-Henry 75′), Willoughby (Mooney 62′), Peers.

Subs not used: Pollock, Daly, F. Roberts.

Scorers: Mooney 81′

Attendance: 1,769

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