MATCH REPORT - CHESTER FC 1 - 0 BRACKLEY TOWN

Chester FC moved to within a place of the play-offs with a narrow, battling victory over high-flying Brackley Town.

George Glendon kept up his excellent scoring record with another calm penalty on the stroke of half time, which proved to be the difference.

Manager Calum McIntyre made two changes from the draw at Rushall Olympic, as Kevin Roberts and Charlie Caton replaced Reece Daly and Owen Windsor – who both dropped to the bench.

Chester almost hit the front in the first minute as a slick counter saw Elliott Whitehouse release Caton, but Danny Lewis was off his line quickly to smother the shot.

The Blues continued to press, as a dangerous cross from the left from Harrison Burke found Christian Norton, but his effort was well blocked.

As the half progressed chances were at a premium, but the visitors almost took the lead as a corner from the left was met by Gareth Dean – who forced Stanway into an excellent reaction stop.

However, Chester hit the front just before the break as Matty Williams was tripped inside the area.

Glendon stepped up and converted from the spot for the second successive match, via the inside of the post, to give the hosts a half time advantage.

Into the second half and Stanway was worked into action again, another good reaction save to deny Danny Newton with his right leg.

As the fog rolled in Chester almost doubled their lead as Burke climbed well from a Weeks corner, but it was straight at Lewis.

Stanway then made an excellent flying stop to tip a free kick behind from sub Tyler Lyttle on 75 minutes.

Glendon whipped a free kick of his own just over the bar with ten to play – before Brackley were reduced to ten men late on when Newton picked up his second yellow card for a late challenge on Newton – as the Blues held on for three points.

Chester: Stanway, Coates, Williams, Edwards, Burke, Roberts, Whitehouse, Glendon, Weeks, Caton, Norton (Taylor 64).

Subs Not Used: Windsor, Sparrow, Daly, Murray.

Scorers: Glendon (pen) 45.

Attendance: 1,522 (22 away).