Blues Match Report: Chester FC 0 - 0 Crewe Alexandra

Chester FC's pre-season campaign came to an end with a goalless draw against Crewe Alexandra at the Deva Community Stadium.

The Blues came out strongly and were the better side throughout the opening period, having numerous moments where the deadlock could’ve been broken.

Sam Reed and Tom Peers combined nicely on the right-hand side before the break, with the former forcing the first major chance as he struck narrowly over with a powerful effort from just outside the 18-yard box.

Attacking pair Connor Woods and Jacob Hazel combined for the next opportunity, as our number 17 was closed down well inside the area before he could get his effort off towards Booth’s goal.

Declan Weeks took aim shortly after but his long-range effort flew wide after some positive inter-play in midfield with Dan Ward.

Jack Lankester had the Railwaymen’s first major chance but his flicked effort slid wide from around 12 yards out.

The final opportunity of the first-half fell for the aforementioned Hazel whose effort was closed down by Booth who had a positive afternoon in the visitors’ net.

Chances were at a premium in the second period but Reece Hutchinson almost found the breakthrough immediately after the restart only to see his his header drop narrowly wide from a well-delivered corner.

Ma’kel Campbell swivelled dangerously mid-way through the half but struck wide, before substitute Dom McHale had the standout attempt of the game as the clock ticked towards the 90-minute mark.

The attacking midfielder struck with venom from long-range but the ball smashed back off the outside of the post and bounced away to safety.

Former Blue Fin Roberts had the final opportunity of the contest but he volleyed over from close-range.

All eyes now turn to next Saturday for Phil Parkinson’s men who head to Chorley for the opening game of the campaign.

Starting XI: Hewitson, Burroughs, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Griffin, Peers, Hazel, Ward, Woods, Campbell, Reed.

Substitutes: Davies, Kenny, McHale, Waters, Burgess, Deakin, Jones-Mellor, Murphy, Rosenblatt, Trialist A, Moore.

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