REPORT | Hereford 1-0 Chester

A stunning second half volley from Luke Haines proved the difference at Edgar Street as Hereford defeated Chester.

The midfielders fantastic 25-yard strike on 72 minutes proved to be the difference despite the Seals’ late pressure and seeing two goals disallowed.

The Blues made three changes following last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Darlington, as Dan Cowan, Josh Askew and Jude Oyibo replaced James Horsfield, Matty Williams and Jack Redshaw.

Louis Gray was the first keeper to be tested in this game, having to be alert to push away Haines’ opening effort from distance.

At the other end, Charlie Jolley’s skill and pace started a Chester attack on five minutes – and it ended with him having a chance on his left foot from Declan Weeks’ pass – but he curled over.

The game then settled down as the half progressed, Tom Owen-Evans seeing a shot deflected over the bar before Weeks forced Brandon Hall into a low save at the end of a well-worked set piece on the edge of the area.

That was the last of the action in a stop-start and even opening 45 minutes at Edgar Street.

Hereford came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half – and has chances in quick succession. First, Ryan McLean’s shot was well blocked by Roberts, before again the Yellows’ full-back did well to deny another shot, this time from Haines.

Inbetween this, Gray made a routine stop to catch Krystian Pearce’s downward header. Moments later, Haines again went close – this time rattling the crossbar with his header from Owen-Evans’ corner.

But Haines wasn’t to be denied and opened the scoring in spectacular fashion on 72 minutes. Zeli Ismael’s cross was headed out to the Hereford number four who brilliantly volleyed into the corner from distance.

Chester almost found a response moments later after a quick free kick found Dudley in space, but his low left footed shot was saved by Hall.

They went even closer with ten to play as neat interchange saw Dudley slip it through for sub Darren Stephenson, his effort was under Hall but struck the base of the post.

Hereford then had a chance to seal it on 86 minutes as McLean’s low cross broke kindly for Ismael, but he fired over.

Bern and Jonno’s side would then have two goals ruled out. First Jack Redshaw turned home Stephenson’s cross however the flag was up for offside, before George Waring – also off the bench – headed home only to see Referee Darren Rogers give a foul against the forward.

CHESTER: Gray, Roberts, Cowan, Grand, Askew (Redshaw 78), Lacey (Waring 78), Glendon, Weeks, Jolley, Dudley, Oyibo (Stephenson 62).

SUBS NOT USED: Clark, Williams.

SCORERS: Haines 72.

ATTENDANCE: 2,274 (210 Chester).