Blues Match Report: Curzon Ashton 0 - 1 Chester FC

Chester FC claimed three valuable points over Curzon Ashton in Greater Manchester courtesy of an early strike from Scott Burgess.

Burgess made an instant impact on his return to the starting XI as a stunning effort earned Connell Rawlinson’s men a dream start.

The ball fell to the number 20 mid-way inside the Curzon half, before he took aim immediately on the half-volley to catch out home ‘keeper Callum Hawkins and smash an outrageous effort into the corner.

Chester dominated throughout the opening period, restricting the hosts’ attacking output and controlling the vast majority of possession.

The next effort came from skipper Declan Weeks who dragged a low effort narrowly wide, before his midfield partner Lewis Leigh also hit one just past the post from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Fin Shrimpton forced Hawkins into a smart stop just after the half-hour mark as the shot-stopper palmed a powerful effort to safety.

Defender Phil Croker had the best chance during the remainder of the first-half as he span dangerously inside the 18-yard box but saw his powerful strike rise just over the crossbar.

Hawkins was called into action again just before the interval, this time a comfortable stop to deny Michael Kelly’s effort from the edge of the area.

After a first-half performance helped by the strong wind travelling across the Tameside Stadium, Rawlinson’s side were forced to battle against it following the break resulting in a period with a lack of clear goalmouth action at either end.

Shrimpton went closest for the Seals when he made space inside the box but fired narrowly wide from an acute angle.

The hosts battled hard throughout the contest but failed to test Bobby Jones until the latter stages, when substitute Ruben Curley’s low drive forced the ‘keeper to push behind for a corner.

Chester held on for a three well-deserved points as the squad now prepare for a busy Easter Weekend, with a home clash against AFC Telford United and an away trip to Macclesfield in prospect.

Chester FC: Jones, Woodthorpe, Weeks, T. Davies, Mottley-Henry, Kelly, Shrimpton, Leigh, Carson, S. Burgess (Peers 83′), Croker.

Subs not used: B. Davies, Leak, Woods, Rosenblatt, Corbett, Roberts

Scorers: Burgess 4′

You can watch the post-match interview here...