Blues Match Report: Chester FC 2 - 2 Kidderminster Harriers

Chester let a two-goal lead slip to draw at home to play-off chasing Kidderminster this afternoon.

A strong performance from the hosts saw them go two goals up through Darren Stephenson’s excellent strike and a Marcus Dackers penalty before they allowed the visitors back into the game, as Amari Morgan-Smith and Omari Sterling ensured they took a share of the spoils.

The Blues made one change from the side that narrowly lost at Gateshead last week as Matty Williams returned to the side, in place for Simon Grand.

Chester started the game brightly and almost created an opening as Declan Weeks’ ball over the top found George Glendon, but he couldn’t get a shot away and in the end.

Both sides were working hard to create openings but chances were at a premium. Weeks tried one from distance after good work from Rob Apter but it was off target.

The openings were starting to come for the Blues as Stephenson’s cross sat up for Dackers to volley, but it was just off target from what would have been a stunning opener.

Stephenson almost turned provider again after a strong run down the left before cutting back to Weeks, who skipped past a challenge before finding his shot blocked.

But then the Blues’ pressure paid on the hour mark as Stephenson got in behind from his own flick on and fired perfectly into the bottom corner beyond the dive of Luke Simpson.

Four minutes later and Chester had a golden opportunity to double their advantage as Glendon was brought down after Weeks’ shot was saved. Up stepped Dackers and sent Simpson the wrong way, firing it low to the ‘keepers right.

With just under twenty minutes to play Kidderminster were given a lifeline as Louis Gray’s clearance was closed down by Morgan-Smith, who gathered the deflection and turned the ball past the ‘keeper to reduce the deficit.

Chester responded strongly as Matty Waters’ cross was met by Dackers but he couldn’t get his header on target.

Then the Kidderminster equaliser came with seven minutes remaining as Ashley Hemmings’ ball into the penalty area broke to Sterling at the far post, who fired beyond Gray and the last-ditch attempt of Matty Williams to earn the visitors a point.

CHESTER: Gray, Waters (Grand 84), Burke, Williams, Fitzpatrick, Weeks, Glendon (c), Sargent, Apter, Dackers (Clarke 86), Stephenson.

SUBS NOT USED: Stanway, Dudley, Roache.

SCORERS: Chester: Stephenson 60, Dackers 65 (pen); Morgan-Smith 72, Sterling 83.

ATTENDANCE: 2,109.