BLUES MATCH REPORT - CHESTER FC 2 - 1 BLYTH SPARTANS

Chester FC returned to winning ways at home to Blyth – a deserved three points won in dramatic late fashion.

Charlie Caton’s second of the month put the Blues in front on 55 minutes, before sub JJ Hooper equalised with six minutes remaining.

However, an Elliott Whitehouse pen in the last minute of the 90 won the points.

Manager Calum McIntyre made five changes from the midweek defeat to Hereford.

In came debutant Tom Sparrow, as well as; Liam Edwards, Iwan Murray, Caton and Connor Evans.

Harrison Burke and Frankie Maguire dropped to the bench, with George Glendon, Kole Hall and Ollie Heywood not featuring in the 16-man squad.

It was a quiet and uneventful opening 45, and both sides struggled to build any momentum in the sweltering heat.

The first good moment for Chester came on 18 minutes as Murray angled in a corner which Caton nodded wide from a good area.

Debutant Sparrow had some promising moments from right-back, including a dangerous cross after a one-two with Weeks which was well defended.

Blyth’s first opening came after the hydration break, as Jack Bodenham found Will McGowan with an excellent pass who curled over from a dangerous position.

Just before the break Caton exchanged passes with Murray and then fired a decent effort wide from the edge of the area.

Blyth started the second half brightly, as Elliott Forbes curled just over, before Chester hit the front on 55 minutes.

Weeks showed excellent composure to pick up a loose ball and slide through a nice pass for Caton to take a touch and fire home left footed to open the scoring.

The opener saw the Blues grow in confidence as they had a certain penalty ruled out as Adam Thomas appeared to be tripped – before Weeks was then denied by Alex Mitchell.

However, the visitor would draw level late on at the end of a slick move.

Will McGowan’s move into the box ended with a clever backheel which fell into the path of substitute Hooper who smashed the ball into the bottom corner.

But there was to be further late drama as a penalty was eventually given by Referee Lee Hible late on as Whitehouse went the ground.

The number ten stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to win the game at the Leap76 Stadium.

Chester: Stanway, Sparrow, Edwards, Williams, Coates (Taylor 87), Roberts, Murray, Weeks, Whitehouse, Caton (Maguire 82), Evans (Thomas 51).

Subs Not Used: Burke, Daly.

Scorers: Caton 55, Whitehouse (pen) 90; Hooper 84.

Attendance: 2,010 (90 away).

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