YOUTH CUP REPORT | Carlisle United 3-2 Chester

A brave effort from the Chester FC Under 18’s wasn’t quite enough this evening at Brunton Park, as EFL side Carlisle United advanced in the FA Youth Cup.

Despite a bright start in the first five minutes from Calum McIntyre’s team, it was the hosts who hit the front on seven minutes.

A fantastic diagonal pass from Ryan Swailes found Charlie Watt, and the winger had time to compose himself and then curl beyond Joe Smith.

There was nearly a fantastic response just five minutes later as Max Giani headed inches over at the near post from Sam Turner’s right sided cross.

But they were dealt a further blow on 19 minutes. A sliding pass between the two Chester defenders was perfect for Adam Walton to gather the ball in his stride and then slot home.

Nevertheless, the Blues did show their fighting spirit and halved the deficit on the half hour mark. Patient build up initially was rewarded with a stroke of fortune, as Turner’s touch ricocheted kindly off a Carlisle defender and into the path of Tyler Sutton – who volleyed beyond Isaac Robinson.

A lively half saw a fourth goal of the opening 45 – and unfortunately it fell the way of Carlisle. A fantastic free flowing move ended with Ryan Swailes collecting and then finishing from ten yards out.

But Chester mustered up a better response in the second half – limiting a strong Carlisle side to few chances – before getting themselves back to within a goal on 65 minutes.

Sam Hughes’ dipping effort from range was pushed behind for a corner by Robinson – and Oliver Heywood providing the assist from the resulting set piece, whipping a ball to the back post for Will Harrison to convert.

This came after Watt had clipped the side netting with a free kick – and Keelan Leslie had lobbed an effort on to the top of Smith’s crossbar for the hosts.

Chester pushed late on, but couldn’t muster up any late chances, as the Cumbrians moved into Round Two.

CHESTER: Smith, Buckley, Harrison, Sloane, Buckley-Benbow (Bell 35), Turner, D Lowe, Hughes (Walters 88), Heywood, Sutton, Giani (Packer 76).

SUBS NOT USED: Hansen, Taylor, A Lowe.

SCORERS: Watt 7, Walton 19, Swailes 34; Sutton 31, Harrison 65.