YOUTH REPORT | Sandbach United 1-5 Chester FC

Chester FC’s Youth side progressed in the FA Youth Cup tonight with a five star performance and victory over Sandbach in the Preliminary Round.

Goals from Dion Jones, Lloyd Marsh-Hughes, an own goal, Cain Noble and Harry Molyneux sealed the win.

There was a ‘proper cup tie’ feel to the encounter as the lower leagued home side started strongly, but it was Calum McIntyre’s side who had the first opportunity when Marsh-Hughes won a penalty. Noble stepped up but was denied by the keeper who had guessed the right way.

Chester took the lead on 36 minutes when Molyneux’s corner was flicked on at the near post by Marsh-Hughes, allowing Captain Jones to loop a header into the far corner.

But there was to be a great moment for Sandbach who got level just four minutes later. Good work from Newton on the edge of the box released Newton who slotted beyond Ben Gale.

Nevertheless, a big moment came four minutes into first half stoppage time when Marsh-Hughes cooly finished from inside the area.

The strikers goal seemed to spark a higher gear for the visitors after the break and they got a third when Leighton Kendrick’s teasing cross was turned into his own net by George Hughes.

Corners were to provide goals four and five for McIntyre’s team. Molyneux’s first delivery was headed home by Noble, and then the left back somehow found the back of the net directly from the corner when he got his next chance.

There were chances to extend the advantage as Louis Hayes struck the outside of the post and Noble fired inches over – but it was a job well done from the Young Seals who face Marine in the next round.