Report: AFC Telford United 3-1 Chester

Chester fell to a 3-1 defeat at the New Bucks Head on Boxing Day to AFC Telford United.

The home side led by two at the break, courtesy of Jamie Meddows and Matty Stenson, before Stenson added a third on the hour-mark after Kevin Roberts had pulled one back early in the second period.

The hosts started brightly in Shropshire and took the lead in the eight minute through Meddows, whose well-directed strike from just outside the box found the corner.

Tom Leak slid in to deny a Telford second shortly after, as Stenson miscued from close-range and allowed our number five to intercept, before the ball was cleared to safety.

Jack Bainbridge found space in the middle of the pitch as the half-hour mark neared, but his low, drilled shot from 25 yards out was comfortable for Josh Gracey in the home goal.

Telford looked to apply pressure on the Chester goal as the half continued, and the lead was doubled in the 33rd minute as Stenson curled a low effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

The two-goal advantage remained until the interval, when Calum McIntyre made four substitutions, as Nathan Woodthorpe, Iwan Murray, Jack Shorrock, and Fin Roberts were all introduced for the second half.

F. Roberts almost made an impact immediately, as he forced an impressive save from Gracey to deny a close-range headed effort, after a well-directed cross by K. Roberts.

The 36-year-old was involved once again shortly after, as he pulled one back prior to the hour-mark with a composed finish from a well-worked corner routine, as Woodthorpe flicked the ball to the far post before it was tapped home.

Telford’s two-goal cushion was restored in the 60th minute, as Stenson capitalised on miscommunication to finish from inside the area.

Charlie Williams looked to add another for the Bucks with 12 minutes remaining as he cut inside and fired towards the far post, but it sailed narrowly wide.

F. Roberts had the final opportunity of the contest after a positive run but his drilled strike was palmed to safety by Gracey.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Blues who host Macclesfield on Tuesday 30th December at the Deva Stadium.

Chester FC: Murray-Jones, K. Roberts (Shrimpton 90+2′), Leak, J. Jones (Woodthorpe 46′), Kelly-Evans (Shorrock 46′), Weeks, Bainbridge, P. Jones, Peers, Mottley-Henry (F. Roberts 46′), Woods (Murray 46′)

Subs not used:  Davies, Arthur

Scorers: Meddows 8′, Stenson 33′ 60′, K. Roberts 56′

Attendance: 3,011 (800 away)