Blues Match Report: Chorley 1 - 2 Chester FC

Phil Parkinson’s first game as Chester boss ended in a well-deserved victory over Chorley!

The Magpies were handed a golden chance to take the lead in just the fourth minute when the referee judged Weeks to have brought down his man inside the box.

Accrington Stanley loanee Anjola Popoola stepped up but saw his effort slide comfortably wide, preserving parity at Victory Park.

A frantic early period was followed by a more controlled one for the Blues, culminating in a flowing move from Woods and Campbell but neither could force a save from Li-Bau Stowell.

The goalkeeper was beaten before the half-hour mark though as Ma’kel Campbell fired a sublime effort past the shot-stopper from outside the box.

Sam Reed then looked to test Stowell from outside the area but it flew comfortably over.

Tom Peers had the final opportunity of the opening period but he struck over after brilliant work from Campbell and Waters.

The Blues started the second half strongly and almost doubled the lead through Dan Ward who slammed wide from close-range.

Chorley pegged Phil Parkinson’s men back through a moment of brilliance through Elliot Taylor who fired a powerful half-volleyed effort over Luke Hewitson to level the scoreline.

Jacob Hazel made an impact late on and had an opportunity with ten minutes remaining but he was closed down by Stowell after positive work by Ward.

The defining moment in the contest arrived through the foot of Waters from close-range.

A brilliant long ball from Jake Griffin found Ward who drilled a low ball across the six-yard box, finding Waters who scored his first goal for the club.

Kofi Moore almost made it three as his effort struck the post in the 90th minute, before the Blues held for a memorable opening day victory.

The Blues are back at the Deva Community Stadium on Saturday for the visit of King’s Lynn Town.

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

Substitutes: Davies, Kenny, Hazel, Murphy, Rosenblatt, Lomax, Moore.

Scorers: Campbell 26′, Taylor 60′, Waters 87.