MATCH REPORT - ALFRETON TOWN 0 - 0 CHESTER FC

Chester kept a clean sheet and held the National League North’s in-form side, Alfreton Town, to a point at the Impact Arena.

Manager Steve Watson made two changes from Tuesday’s defeat against York City, with Danny Livesey and Rob Apter replacing Matty Williams and Matt Sargent – who both dropped to the bench.

The hosts had the first chance of the afternoon inside two minutes as Dayle Southwell’s run got Alfreton up the pitch. He found Conor Branson on the edge who curled just over.

Billy Heath’s side nearly took the lead on 19 minutes when Bailey Hobson’s powerful volley was goalbound, but Wyll Stanway showed great reactions to tip it over.

Chester grew into the game as the half progressed without creating any big chances. On two separate occasions Marcus Dackers had shots from outside the box, the first comfortably saved by George Willis and the second going over the crossbar.

Willis was called into action on 32 minutes, a swift counter involving Apter and then Darren Stephenson – who forced the Reds’ number one into a strong near post save.

The Yellows almost opened the scoring seconds after the restart, as good hold up play from Stephenson enabled Apter to drive a shot in which flew just wide.

Then straight up the other end, Stanway did well to react and tip over Southwell’s free header.

Alfreton, who were still in with a chance of finishing inside the top seven, started to build momentum in search of the opener. A Southwell corner midway through the second 45 was nodded just over by Dominic Smith.

Moments later, half time sub Yusifu Ceesay drove into the box, but scuffed his effort and Stanway made the save at the second attempt.

Chester did find opportunities to break the deadlock late on, as Apter cut back for Stephenson. His first attempt was blocked before the second was blasted over.

The in-form hosts pushed for an important winner late on, but the Seals held firm for a positive point on the road.

CHESTER: Stanway, Roberts, Livesey, Grand, Fitzpatrick, Burke, Glendon (Sargent 74), Weeks, Apter, Dackers (Simmonds 74), Stephenson.

SUBS NOT USED: Gray, Williams, Roache.

ATTENDANCE: 740.