REPORT | Chester 1-1 Morecambe

    Chester put in an impressive performance this afternoon at the Deva to draw with League One Morecambe.

    Ash Hunter put the Shrimps in front in impressive fashion midway through the first half, before skipper for the day Declan Weeks equalised early in the second 45.

    Manager Calum McIntyre made two changes from last Saturday’s narrow loss to Rochdale, as new signings Alex Kenyon and Kurt Willoughby both started.

    And the latter had a good chance early on for his new employers. His initial cross just evaded the run of Iwan Murray, before Jamie Morgan’s ball back in found Willoughby – but his header was stopped by Adam Smith. This came just after Matty Williams had glanced Murray’s corner wide.

    Derek Adams’ side grew into the game and nearly went in front when Hunter’s well struck free kick crashed against the post – before a matter of minutes later he wasn’t to be denied – curling delightfully into the top corner from Dylan Connolly’s cross.

    Willoughby was again involved as the half drew to a close, as he was tackled 30 yards from goal. The loose ball rolled into the area and wasn’t dealt with by the visiting defence – as Weeks nipped in only to be denied by an outstretched Smith.

    Chester started the second half the brighter and went close as impressive sub Joe Lynch fired an effort on to the roof of the net, before the equaliser deservedly arrived on 54 minutes.

    Harrison Burke’s header up the pitch bounced kindly for Weeks; who controlled, beat his man, and drilled beyond opposing Captain Smith.

    Moments later, Shrimps sub Caleb Watts clipped the outside of the post with a fierce effort from 20 yards.

    Nevertheless, McIntyre’s men continued to press. James Horsfield curled just over the bar after the hour mark, before Anthony Dudley tested Smith after good, quick link up play inside the area with Kole Hall.

    Hall tried to win it in audacious fashion late on, when he saw Smith off his line and attempted a lob first time from Ollie Heywood’s pass, but the ‘keeper gathered.

    CHESTER: Tyrer (Stanway 46), Morgan, Burke, Williams, Heywood, Kenyon (Horsfield 62), Weeks, Earl (Lynch 46), Murray (Dudley 46), Stephenson (Marsh-Hughes 71), Willoughby (Hall 46).

    SUBS NOT USED: Turner, Clarke, Daly.

    SCORERS: Weeks 56; Hunter 22.

    ATTENDANCE: 779.