Blues Match Report: Chester FC 1 - 0 Spalding United

A late Dan Ward goal ensured that Chester FC continued their perfect start to the season.

The Blues almost made a lightning quick start as Connor Woods’ powerful effort was turned over by Peter Crook in the Spalding goal inside the opening twenty seconds.

Woods had the bit between his teeth early on as he latched on to Declan Weeks’ pass and cut inside, forcing another smart save from Crook at the near post.

Just a minute later Dan Ward fired a curling effort wide of the goal after positive work from Weeks and Billy Waters.

Ward went close ten minutes later as Woods and Waters moved the ball nicely but Ward’s well-struck effort rose narrowly over the crossbar.

Spalding’s only chance of note during the first-half came in stoppage time as Jack Roberts cut in from the right-hand side and fired a low effort but Hewitson was equal to it.

The pattern of the first-half continued into the second half as the hosts pressed back the Tulips. Substitute Connor Murphy saw his effort deflected behind for a corner shortly after his introduction.

The visitors almost took the lead at the death as the ball bounced around the Chester penalty area and was poked goalwards but George Burroughs made a superb block to ensure the scores remained level.

At the other end Jefferson Abreu created some space but his effort was too close to Crook.

There was still time for late drama though, as Dan Ward capped his fourth appearance for the club with a first goal to remember.

Oskar Rosenblatt sent an inviting cross towards the back post before both Abreu and Jacob Hazel nudged the ball back to Ward who poked into the bottom corner.

A magical moment and one that preserved the Blues’ perfect start to the campaign.

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

Substitutes: Mackin, Kenny, Hazel, Murphy, Abreu, Rosenblatt, Lomax.

Scorers: Ward 90+3′

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