Blues Match Report: Chester 1 - 3 Radcliffe

Radcliffe claimed all three points at the Deva Stadium yesterday, thanks to goals from Rio Clegg, Jordan Hulme and Danny Greenfield, following Iwan Murray’s early strike for the Blues.

The Blues started the contest positively and had the first opportunity through Connor Woods, but his header drifted wide following a well-directed Michael Kelly corner.

Iwan Murray earned the lead in the 12th minute as he beat Mateusz Hewelt to a loose ball and prodded home from close-range, after Woods’ strike was deflected into his path.

A penalty was awarded for the visitors mid-way through the opening period when Jordan Hulme was judged to have been brought down inside the 18-yard box.

Rio Clegg stepped up and converted from 12 yards, sending Bobby Jones the wrong way and registering his 18th goal of the season.

The final chance before the interval fell to Fin Roberts who latched onto a floated cross from Declan Weeks, only for his header to fly just over the bar.

A pair of opportunities fell to the Blues following the break, firstly through Lewis Leigh whose 25-yard effort was headed behind by Brad Roscoe, before Murray almost added to his tally with a powerful shot that was pushed over by Hewelt after positive work from F. Roberts and P. Jones.

Jordan Hulme completed the turnaround five minutes before the hour-mark as he found space on the left-hand side of the box and poked a finish into the bottom corner.

Phil Croker almost scored on his second Chester FC appearance, but his downward header was sliced clear from inside the six-yard box.

The 62nd minute saw the Boro add a third to their tally, as a fast counter-attack culminated in a low finish from Danny Greenfield that found its way into the back of the net.

Calum McIntyre’s men pushed the visitors back in the latter stages but failed to find a route through a stubborn back line, as Radcliffe held out for all three points.

Chester FC: B. Jones , Shrimpton, K. Roberts (Leak 79′), Croker, Kelly, Weeks, Murray, Leigh, Woods (Mottley-Henry 69′), P. Jones, F. Roberts.

Substitutes: Davies, Kelly-Evans, Woodthorpe, Peers, I. Burgess

Scorers: Murray 12′, Clegg 25′, Hulme 55′, Greenfield 62′.

Attendance: 2,108

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