Blues Match Report: Needham Market 0 - 1 Chester FC

Chester FC left it late to secure a vital victory, on the road in Suffolk, as a frantic end to the game saw Calum McIntyre’s team deservedly collect the full complement of points.

Harrison Burke netted the decisive goal as he headed past Marcus Garnham with five minutes remaining of the contest to earn a precious three points for his side.

The first period was a closely fought affair as both sides struggled to fashion a clear-cut opportunity.

The Blues started the brighter of two teams as the returning Declan Weeks found Tom Peers with an intricate through ball but the latter spurned his shot high and wide of Garnham’s goal.

Peers returned the favour ten minutes later as he teed up Weeks, but the midfielder’s shot from an acute angle didn’t test the ‘keeper.

The hosts grew into the game as they flashed a series of dangerous crosses towards the back post, but Kevin Roberts was perfectly placed on both occasions to bravely head the ball clear of danger.

The most presentable chance of the first half fell to Needham Market’s Adam Mills but his strike was palmed over by Elyh Harrison.

The large majority of the second half followed a similar pattern as both sides battled hard for possession.

That was until Weeks swung a delightful corner into the six-yard box and Chester youth product Burke leapt highest to nod home the winner.

The late drama wouldn’t stop there though, as a moment of madness from Needham Market’s Garnham saw the goalkeeper being given his marching orders from referee Josh Crofts.

It appeared as if the Marketmen’s stopper lashed out on second half substitute Kurt Willoughby as he went to throw the ball out and due to the incident being inside the penalty area, a spot-kick was given.

Willoughby stepped up to take the kick from 12 yards out but reserve goalkeeper Danny Cullum got down well to save the penalty with his first touch of the game.

The visitors held out for their first win on the road since September and are now only two points outside of the playoffs with a game in hand on seventh placed King Lynn’s Town.

Match Report by Jude Deedigan.

CHESTER FC: Harrison, Roberts, Burke, Rawlinson (C), Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Hancox (Willoughby 46′) Weeks, Hugill, Caton (Murray 75′), Peers

Subs not used: Pollock, Glendon, Daly

Scorers: Burke 86′

Watch the post-match interview with Blues Boss Calum McIntyre here...