PRE SEASON REPORT | Padiham 0-6 Chester

The Blues completed their pre-season schedule last night with a thumping victory at Padiham.

John Johnston slotted home his second goal in the space of seven days to give the Blues a half time lead – he kept his cool and stabbed into the net following Anthony Dudley’s effort which had struck the base of the post after half an hour.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side really turned on the style in the second 45 – scoring five goals and led by Lloyd Marsh-Hughes; who stole the show with a clinical hat-trick.

The second goal of the match came just shy of the hour mark from the penalty spot. Jamie Morgan’s marauding run into the box saw him hacked down – with the referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Trialist C stepped up and drove the ball emphatically down the middle of the goal.

Two became three on 71 minutes, as Trialist C provided the first of his three assists for Marsh-Hughes. His rocket shot from outside the box was expertly diverted home by the teenage forward.

Ten minutes later and the frontman had another – again being set up by Trialist who sent an inch perfect ball across the box for the striker to convert.

Padiham’s Ben Ashton had gone close at the start of the half, smashing against the underside of Louis Gray’s crossbar – and had another glorious chance late on to restore some pride as the hosts were awarded a penalty of their own. Nevertheless, Gray was down to make a sharp stop to his right and preserve his clean sheet.

Two goals added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time – and they both were bagged by Academy Graduates. First, Will Goodwin got in on the act – turning beyond Hamnett following Trialist B’s excellent delivery from the right.

Then, on the final whistle, Trialist C sent in another inch perfect cross which was unselfishly dummied by Matty Hughes to enable Marsh-Hughes to complete his personal treble.

CHESTER FC: Gray, Morgan, Livesey (Trialist C 46), Grand, Taylor (G Roberts 46), Johnston (Trialist B 46), Glendon (Weeks 46), Trialist A, Dudley (Hughes 46), Waring (Goodwin 46), Elliott (Marsh-Hughes 46).

SCORERS: Johnston 30, Trialist C (pen) 59, Marsh-Hughes 71 & 81 & 90+2, Goodwin 90.