Blues Match Report: Hereford 1 - 1 Chester

A close-range finish from Billy Waters cancelled out a Billy Phillips opener at Edgar Street.

An entertaining contest began in pulsating fashion in the early stages, with both sides pushing forward and looking to impose themselves.

Sam Reed saw the first effort deflected wide after a brilliant run down the right-hand side, before Billy Waters struck the side-netting from an acute angle after being played in by Dan Ward.

The Bulls’ first chance fell to Cawley Cox who found space in behind but Jake Griffin recovered well and the shot was deflected behind.

Aaron Downes’ men grew into the first-half and took the lead in the 26th minute through Billy Phillips, who slammed past Luke Hewitson from inside the box after a drilled cross from Aaron Skinner.

The Seals bounced back following the opener and were the better side in the latter stages, going close via Connor Woods first who curled a dangerous effort towards goal that flew just past the post.

Phil Parkinson’s men levelled shortly before half-time through Billy Waters’ second goal of the season as the ball found him inside the area after work from Woods and Tom Peers.

Waters finished with composure past Theo Richardson, levelling the scoreline before the break.

Chester came out stronger following the interval, having the vast majority of the ball in the second period.

Nathan Woodthorpe had the opening chance as his effort was blocked by Richardson after a driving run from Woods.

The next opportunity fell to Peers who struck over under heavy defensive pressure, after great work from Reed down the right.

The Bulls’ only major chance after the break fell to in-form Harrison Iwunze, but the Notts County loanee headed wide from close-range.

Substitutes Kofi Moore and Jacob Hazel both went close in the dying embers of the contest, the former forcing Richardson into a smart stop before the latter powered over from just outside the 18-yard box.

The Blues face a quick turnaround ahead of a home tie with Morecambe on Monday afternoon.

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

Substitutes: Mackin, Kenny, Hazel, Foley, Abreu, Campbell, Moore.

Scorers: Phillips 26′, Waters 40′