BLUES MATCH REPORT - WARRINGTON TOWN 1 - 0 CHESTER FC

Chester FC’s eight-game unbeaten run came to an end with a disappointing defeat on the road to kick off 2024.

Josh Amis’ fourth minute goal was the difference for Warrington Town as the hosts deservedly took all three points.

Manager Calum McIntyre made two changes from the Boxing Day reverse over Warrington, as George Glendon and Owen Windsor dropped to the bench, with Iwan Murray and Christian Norton behind handed starts.

The Blues fell behind early on as an Andy White cross was flicked by Amis towards goal, Burke appeared to clear the initial effort off the line before the Wire Captain turned home the rebound.

Warrington had come out of the traps the quicker of the two sides and almost doubled their lead on 12 minutes when Matty Grivosti weaved the ball on to his left foot and drilled in a powerful effort which was strongly pushed away by Wyll Stanway.

Second later, Stanway made a super reaction stop to deny the sliding Amis from close range following a cross from the right by Connor Woods.

Chester’s first shot came on 18 minutes after good play from Norton, but Elliott Whitehouse dragged his effort well wide.

Then a dangerous Declan Weeks free kick found the run of Liam Edwards round the back, who glanced just wide on the stretch.

Just before half time the hosts once again almost doubled their advantage as Woods was released down the right, the angle was against him as he drove into the box and saw his effort rebound off the post and away.

It took all the way until the 71st minute for a chance of note in the second half, as Whitehouse found space inside the box from Coates’ cross but headed just wide.

Warrington should have wrapped up the points into the final ten as Williams conceded possession and Buckley-Ricketts slipped in Amis, but the forward shot wide.

Seconds after Amis was played through again, this time by sub Matty McDonald, but Burke was back to deny the forward with a sliding block.

Chester had one half chance late on as sub Joel Taylor’s cross found Whitehouse but he nodded wide – as the hosts deservedly took all three points.

Chester: Stanway, Coates, Edwards (Taylor 71), Williams, Burke, Roberts, Whitehouse, Weeks, Murray (Windsor 60), Hall, Norton (Glendon 46).

Subs Not Used: Calderbank-Park, Sparrow.

Scorers: Amis 4.

Attendance: 2,000 (400 away).

Listen to Blues Boss Calum McIntyre's post-match interview here...