Blues Match Report: Darlington 1 - 1 Chester FC

Chester FC had to settle for a point on the road at Blackwell Meadows, as Pat Jones’ opener was cancelled out by Josh Scott in the 93rd minute.

Dylan Mottley-Henry had the Seals’ first major chance just after the ten-minute mark as he latched on to a Pat Jones cross but poked just wide from close-range.

Chester had the ball in the net just two minutes later as Tom Peers finished from close-range, only for the offside flag to cancel the effort out due to the pass from Declan Weeks to Jones earlier in the move.

Will Hatfield had the first shot on target but his effort was comfortable for George Murray-Jones.

In-form forward Jack Maskell had the best opportunity of the opening period when he found space at the back post and headed with power towards goal.

Murray-Jones positioned himself well and pushed the effort to safety with an outstretched right arm to protect Chester’s parity.

A flurry of bookings came before the half-time whistle, which brought an end to a period full of endeavour without a plethora of clear-cut chances.

Will McGowan has the first chance after the interval as the ball found the forward at the back post but his low strike was blocked in brilliant fashion by Kevin Roberts.

Then came the opener, and it was a moment of magic from Pat Jones that broke the deadlock.

Our number 18 twisted and turned past defenders and poked a clever, low finish that defied Jameson and rolled into the bottom corner.

The Seals had to defend in valiant fashion after the opener, as blocks from Hayden Carson and Tom Leak attempted to protect George Murray-Jones who was exceptional in the Chester goal.

The equaliser came in heart-breaking fashion as Josh Scott found space at the back post and slotted past Murray-Jones from close-range.

A disappointing end to the contest for Chester who now look ahead to the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round next Saturday against Curzon Ashton.

CHESTER FC: Murray-Jones, K. Roberts, Leak, Carson, Bainbridge, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Murray (Shrimpton 65′), Weeks, P. Jones (F. Roberts 80′), Mottley-Henry (Woods 65′), Peers.

Subs not used: Barlow, Kelly-Evans, Jones, Zanzala.

Scorers: P Jones 58′, Scott 90+3′.

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