Blues Match Report: Kidderminster Harriers 1 - 1 Chester FC

Chester FC claimed a hard-fought point on the road at Aggborough this afternoon.

Fin Shrimpton netted his eighth goal in nine outings to claim a well-deserved point in Worcestershire.

The opening period saw a lack of clear-cut opportunities at either end, as both sides looked to figure each other out on a mild Aggborough afternoon.

Scott Burgess had the first major chance just before the half-hour mark but his powerful low effort was palmed behind by Christian Dibble in the home goal.

Another opportunity followed shortly after when Fin Roberts laid the ball off for Declan Weeks who entered the box with pace but saw his shot blocked by Dibble.

Harriers pressed forward as the contest neared the interval and had a great chance just moments before the whistle blew, as a drilled cross from Joe Foulkes found the head of Ryley Reynolds whose header flew just wide of the far post.

The second period started with intent from both sides, firstly from the hosts as Bobby Jones was forced into a fantastic stop to deny Reece Devine, before the Blues went close at the other end through Burgess who tested Dibble with a curled strike from outside the area.

Lewis Leigh then found himself with space in a dangerous area but his effort was comfortable for the shot-stopper.

Adam Murray’s hosts took the lead on the hour-mark with an unstoppable effort from Charlie Copper, who took aim from 30 yards and powered past Jones into the top corner, leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.

Tom Davies, who was instrumental in the centre of the back line, went close to finding an equaliser with 18 minutes remaining but his header fell narrowly wide.

Shrimpton did find the leveller just three minutes later, as he drove towards the home defence and fired a low effort past Dibble and into the bottom corner.

An eighth goal in nine games for our number 14, who continues to prove a huge threat from the middle of the park.

The final 15 minutes saw numerous crosses into the Blues’ box but the defence held firm to claim a hard-fought point at Aggborough.

Connell Rawlinson’s men return to the Deva Stadium next weekend for a clash with Southport.

Chester FC: Jones, Woodthorpe, Weeks, T. Davies, Mottley-Henry, Shrimpton, Leigh, Carson, S. Burgess, Croker, F. Roberts.

Substitutes: B. Davies, Leak, Corbett, Deakin, White

Scorers: Cooper 60′, Shrimpton 75′

Attendance: 3,029 (342 away)

You can watch the post-match interview with Connell Rawlinson here...