Report: Chester 0-0 Scunthorpe United

Calum McIntyre and his players had to settle for a goalless draw at the Deva Stadium, as league leaders Scunthorpe United frustrated the Seals.

The visitors controlled proceedings early on and enjoyed the lion share of possession in the opening stages.

But the first presentable chance of the afternoon fell to the Blues, as the returning Nathan Woodthorpe fired in a low, dangerous cross into the path of Tom Peers.

The striker managed to divert it goalward but Scunthorpe goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons spread himself well to block the effort.

Dylan Mottley-Henry then almost grabbed his first goal for Chester on his home debut, but he could not apply the required touch from Declan Weeks’ inviting cross.

Despite their early dominance, Scunthorpe regressed and found most of their joy on the counterattack and they almost opened the scoring from a fast break.

After Fitzsimons had caught a Weeks free-kick, the ‘keeper played through Alfie Beestin with a raking throw.

Beestin was bearing down on goal and Elyh Harrison rushed out of his box to close down the angle, initially it looked like the incorrect decision but the Manchester United loanee did well to intervene before scurrying back to deny Danny Whitehall.

With five minutes remaining of the first half, the impressive Tom Peers spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to put his side in front going into the break.

Caton picked him out with an incisive ball across the six-yard box, but Peers miscontrolled his effort and it spun wide of the post.

The second half devolved into oblivion as both sides completely cancelled out each other.

It took 20 minutes for the first highlight of the second period and this time it was Chester’s turn to counter.

Peers found the advanced Woodthorpe who looked to return the favour, but the ball evaded the frontman once again.

As the game grew on the Seals asserted themselves and Declan Weeks was only denied a stunning curling effort by a strong palm from Fitzsimons who was at full stretch.

Charlie Caton blasted the ball narrowly wide and Harrison Burke rose highest from a corner but a common theme was developing at the Deva Stadium as Fitzsimons was equal to it.

The game petered out in the final quarter of the hour and neither side looked like snatching a late winner as the contest ended goalless.

For the Seals, it was their sixth successive clean sheet at home, whilst Scunthorpe remain top of the National League North.

Match Preview By Jude Deedigan

CHESTER: Harrison, Roberts, Burke, Rawlinson, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Glendon, Weeks, Caton, Peers, Mottley-Henry (Willoughby 66′)

Subs not used: Hunter, Pollock, Murray, Turner

Scorers: N/A

Attendance: 3,277