Blues Match Report: Chester FC 0 - 1 Buxton

The Blues fell to a tight defeat at home to Buxton courtesy of Ethan Fitzhugh’s first-half strike.

Kurt Willoughby smashed the post with a penalty late in the second half, before John McGrath’s side held on in resolute fashion to claim all three points.

The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes when Ethan Fitzhugh fired home from distance, a brilliant strike that gave Elyh Harrison no chance.

Cian Coleman almost doubled the Bucks’ lead in the opening 20 minutes but his close-range effort curled wide of the far post.

The Blues almost hit back courtesy of Charlie Caton on the half hour mark but his powerful, low effort was held by True Grant.

Josh Popoola missed a chance to double the visitors’ lead as half-time drew closer when he dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box.

It was a tough first half for Calum McIntyre’s men, who were stifled by Buxton’s resolute defensive display.

Iwan Murray did have an opportunity to level on the stroke of half-time but his diving header bounced wide following Kurt Willoughby’s long throw.

The hosts made a fast start after the interval and almost equalised immediately through George Glendon, who sent a looping header towards goal that was only just tipped over by Grant.

Burke then clipped just over from a Iwan Murray corner, as pressure mounted on Grant’s goal.

Caton had another chance to test the keeper just before the hour-mark after great work from Murray in the midfield, but Grant closed our number 10 down well and the ball was diverted behind for a corner.

Finally, with 15 minutes left on the clock, it looked as if Chester had their route back into the contest when Tom Peers was pulled down inside the area as he attempted to connect with a cross.

Alexander Beckett paused for a moment and then pointed to the spot, penalty given.

Kurt Willoughby struck the ball with power from 12 yards but he saw his effort crash back off the post and out to safety.

The Blues pushed forward in the final ten minutes but the away defence held firm and claimed all three points on a disappointing night at the Deva.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER: Harrison, Roberts (Hunter 70′), Burke, Pollock, Woodthorpe, Glendon, Weeks, Murray (Hancox 83′), Caton, Willoughby, Mottley-Henry (Peers 62′).

Subs not used: Mason, Turner

Scorers: N/A

Attendance: 1,807