YOUTH REPORT | Chester 3-2 Wrexham

Chester claimed mini derby bragging rights with an excellent FA Youth Cup victory tonight at the Swansway Chester Stadium over Wrexham.

A brace from Tom Ruffer and an early goal from Danny Edwards proved to be the difference on the night.

The first chance of the ‘mini derby’ fell to the visitors as Sam Pilkington shot wide after cutting inside from the right in the first 60 seconds.

Nevertheless it was the youngsters in Blue that opened the scoring at the Swansway. Marsh-Hughes’ flick on was brilliantly controlled and finished by Danny Edwards.

Wrexham responded well and it was evident Calum McIntyre’s side would have to pull off a defensive rearguard in long spells. The visitors were trying to test Chester from distance and that almost paid dividends on 40 minutes when Matthew Jones turned and shot 20 yards out – but the strike hit the crossbar.

The away side did draw level though on 52 minutes, it was going to take a brilliant goal to break Chester resistance – and it was exactly that from Sam Pilkington who found the corner from 25 yards.

Zak Butterworth looked to provide an overlapping threat from full back, he exchanged passes with sub Leighton Kendrick before crossing low – unfortunately Marsh-Hughes could only divert wide of the post.

It was to be a set piece that saw the Blues retake the lead. A pinpoint Molyneux corner was headed home by defender Tom Ruffer.

Deja vu was to follow eight minutes later. Again the left back was spot on with his corner, and again Ruffer nodded home.

Matty Sargent whipped in a wonderful free kick late on, but the Blues triumphed.

Chester FC Youth: Gale, Butterworth, Ruffer (Dean 90), Macready (Lynch 86), Molyneux, Edwards, Noble, Crilly, Hayes, Cottrell (Kendrick 58), Marsh-Hughes.

Subs Not Used: Rubin, Jones.

Scorers: Edwards 10, Ruffer 74 & 82; Pilkington 52, Sargent 90+1.