Blues Match Report: Oxford City 1 - 2 Chester FC

Two first-half goals earned a fifth win on the bounce for Connell Rawlinson’s men on Saturday afternoon.

Nathan Woodthorpe almost gave Dylan Mottley-Henry the perfect chance to take a fourth minute lead when a ball was fizzed agonisingly past the number 11 inside the six-yard box.

The Hoops were the first to test Bobby Jones through Ewan Clark who sent a curling effort towards the top corner.

Connell Rawlinson’s men took the lead just before the mid-way point of the opening period through Fin Shrimpton, who nodded the ball just over the goalline from close-range.

The opportunity arrived courtesy of a fantastic short-corner routine involving Declan Weeks and Michael Kelly before the ball found our number 14, who made no mistake in front of goal.

The second came just moments later as Tom Davies made another unbelievable contribution.

The ball fell to the centre-back just outside the area before he struck a stunning half-volleyed effort into the top corner to double our lead.

Ross Jenkins’ hosts came out stronger following the interval and looked to reduce the deficit immediately.

Former Seal Matty Taylor pulled one back in the 53rd minute as he flicked past Jones into the bottom corner.

The Blues struggled to break out in the second period but went close with 13 minutes remaining when Jack Bainbridge’s effort slid narrowly wide.

Two opportunities arrived for the hosts late on as they attempted to level the scoreline late on, firstly through Isaac Westendorf.

The substitute found space in the area but his low effort was denied by B. Jones.

The Seals’ number one made another crucial contribution with the final chance as he got across his six-yard box quickly and palmed George Bearne’s effort to safety.

Rawlinson’s men held on to claim a fifth successive win, with a home clash against King’s Lynn Town at the Deva Stadium to come on the final day.

Chester FC: Jones, Woodthorpe, Weeks, T. Davies, Bainbridge, Mottley-Henry, Kelly, Shrimpton (Peers 51′), Leigh, Carson (Woods 46′), S. Burgess, Croker (Leak 64′).

Subs not used: B. Davies, Kelly-Evans, Rosenblatt, Roberts

Scorers: Shrimpton 22′, T. Davies 25′, Taylor 53′

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