Blues Match Report: South Shields 3 - 1 Chester

Chester FC fell to a 3-1 defeat against South Shields at the Wolf Competitions Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Seals started positively in torrid conditions in the North East, with Nathan Woodthorpe getting the first sight of goal but his header was blocked inside the six-yard box.

Declan Weeks struck narrowly over shortly after, before Billy Waters got his name on the scoresheet in the 21st minute.

Our number 11 was played in behind and struck powerfully past Jasper Sheik to open the scoring against the Mariners.

The visiting lead lasted for seven minutes as Cedwyn Scott finished past Joe Wallis, making his Chester debut as an emergency loanee due to Luke Hewitson’s one-game ban.

The home forward buried into the back of the net after a brilliant cross from Adam Campbell rebounded into the path of Scott from close-range.

Mike Williamson’s men pushed for a second in the latter stages of the opening period but failed to find a way past Wallis.

Kofi Moore was presented with a great chance shortly after the break after fantastic work from Sam Reed on the left-hand side, as our number 33’s low cross found Moore in the middle but his effort was straight at Sheik.

The Mariners took the lead just after the hour mark through Toby Onanaye who was found in behind the Seals’ back line before the midfielder slotted a composed finish past Wallis.

A moment of controversy arrived mid-way through the second period when Jefferson Abreu appeared to be taken down inside the home 18-yard box, only for the referee to remain unmoved as he waved away the claims.

The hosts made all three points safe with six minutes to play when substitute Caden Kelly found the bottom corner after being played through on goal.

Phil Parkinson’s men are back in action on Tuesday evening, as Marine travel to the Deva Community Stadium.

Starting XI: Hewitson, Burroughs, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Griffin, Waters, Murphy, Foley, Moore, Reed, Frimpong.

Substitutes: Mackin, McHale, Burgess, Woods, Abreu, Boggan, Butt.

Scorers: Waters 21′, Scott 28′, Onanaye 63′, Kelly 84′.

You can watch the post-match interview with Blues Boss Phil Parkinson here...