Match Report - Bradford (PA) 1 - 0 Chester FC

An early Brad Dockerty goal was the difference today, as Chester were defeated despite dominance.

Manager Steve Watson made two changes from the draw with AFC Telford, as new signings Rob Apter and David Fitzpatrick made their debuts. Paddy Lacey and Josh Askew dropped to the bench.

It was the hosts who took the lead early on. A few minutes after Darren Stephenson had fired over the first shot of the game, Mark Bower’s side hit the front as Akeem Hinds crossed from the left for Dockerty to turn home.

The Yellows almost responded on the quarter of an hour mark as George Glendon drifted a corner in to the back post, but Anthony Dudley headed wide.

Debutant Apter had a couple of attempts in quick succession following this, the first was well held by George Sykes-Kenworthy before the ‘keeper was forced to tip his second effort over the crossbar.

Apter then created space for Declan Weeks to shoot, his first attempt was blocked before the rebound was flashed wide.

A big chance presented itself on 34 minutes when Dudley won the ball high up the pitch, he was brilliantly challenged just as he was about to pull the trigger – before Glendon on the follow up saw his shot deflected over the bar.

The one-sided first half saw another opportunity for Apter with a curler, but Sykes-Kenworthy held at the second attempt.

Moments after the break Chester had their best chance of the game to date, and it was Apter again. The ball broke kindly to the Blackpool loanee who moved into the box but sidefooted wide.

Another good opening came and went just after, Weeks nodded wide unmarked from James Horsfield’s centre.

Dudley was pressing again on 53 minutes and managed to get a clean challenge in on the BPA ‘keeper, but the loose ball trickled inches wide of the post.

A double sub almost paid off for Steve Watson immediately. Moments after Weeks forced another save, George Waring nodded a Horsfield cross down for Zack Clarke to head wide.

Wave after wave of Chester attack continued as Weeks drove an effort inches over the crossbar before Apter missed the target from range.

They had late appeals for a penalty waved away when Waring appeared to be fouled as they were left frustrated in Yorkshire.

CHESTER: Gray, Horsfield, Williams, Grand, Fitzpatrick, Roberts (Clarke 57), Glendon, Weeks, Apter, Dudley (Waring 57), Stephenson.

SUBS NOT USED: Smith, Lacey, Askew.

SCORERS: Dockerty 9.

ATTENDANCE: 569.