Blues Match Report: Chester FC 1 - 1 Kidderminster Harriers

The points were shared at the Deva Stadium after a scrappy contest that saw Chester FC consolidate their position at the top of the National League North.

Harrison Burke netted early on after he converted from a Declan Weeks corner before Ashley Hemmings equalised from close-range.

A raucous crowd greeted the two sets of players on a night of huge importance in West Cheshire.

It didn’t take long for the Blues to set the clash alight, and in typical fashion it was the head of Burke that opened the scoring in the sixth minute.

A floated corner from Weeks was sent with power into the top corner by Burke, before our number three wheeled away in celebration in front of a packed Harry McNally terrace.

The creator almost became the scorer just a few minutes later as he volleyed narrowly wide after the ball dropped to him 20 yards from goal.

Phil Brown’s side grew into the contest down CH1 and grabbed an equaliser just after the half-hour mark, as Caleb Richards crossed into a crowded penalty area before Hemmings was able to knock in from a few yards out.

The Seals almost capitalised on another set piece as the half drew to a close, but Jack Bainbridge’s flicked header was cleared off the line by Hemmings.

Jimmy Storer was put under immediate pressure after the interval as Reece Devine raced in behind the Blues’ back line but the shot-stopper closed down the chance and kept the scores level.

Dan Mooney miscued an effort mid-way through the half after he was setup by a mazy Burke run, before Harriers sliced the hosts open only for Hemmings to drill his shot wide from an acute angle.

The contest lacked flow for the majority of the second period, as both sides tussled for control in midfield.

Weeks almost unlocked the home defence with a whipped effort that was only equalled by a fantastic save from Christian Dibble, as he tipped the ball round the post to safety.

The final few moments were full of endeavour but neither team could find a winner and the spoils were shared at the Deva.

Calum McIntyre’s men remain at the summit of the National League North and are back down CH1 on Saturday as we host Rushall Olympic, before a pair of away trips to Farsley Celtic and Oxford City.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER FC: Storer, K.Roberts, Burke, Rawlinson, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Bainbridge (Hunter 65′), Murray, F. Roberts (Willoughby 77′), Mooney (Woods 65′), Peers.

Subs not used: Hunter, Willoughby, Pollock, Burgess, Daly.

Scorers: Burke 6′

Attendance: 2,752.