FAYC REPORT | Chester 1-1 Bradford City (AET, Bradford win 4-3 on pens)

It was heartbreak for the young Blues, who suffered a 4-3 defeat on penalties against Bradford City in the FA Youth Cup.

The Seals got off to the perfect start as Sol Forde’s ball was dummied by Paige Wilding and rifled into the back of the net from 25 yards from Ben Croft.

Bradford equalised just before the half hour mark as a rash challenge from Adam Bott brought down Ali Dalghous inside the penalty area.

The Referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Isaac Robinson, who set Joe Beswick the wrong way and the Bantams were level.

Despite both sides creating chances the scores remained deadlocked at the end of normal time, leading to extra time being played.

Chester were inches away from taking the lead in the second half of extra time as Reece Daly’s stunning free kick dipped late and cannoned off the crossbar. In the end though the tie would be settled on penalties.

With the teams tied at three-a-piece it went to sudden death, as Dalghous scored for Bradford, it was Joe Nelson who missed the target, allowing Bradford to advance to play Chelsea in the next round.

CHESTER: Beswick, Forde, Nelson, Bott, Rg Daly, Ashworth, Croft (Maris 90+1), Bradley (Collins 98), Griffiths, Rc Daly, Wilding (Bavington 67).

SUBS NOT USED: Davies, Challinor, Cooke.

SCORERS: Croft 17; Robinson (pen) 27.

ATTENDANCE: 472.