Chester 0-2 Forest Green

Blues out of the FA Trophy

Jon McCarthy’s Chester side crashed out of the FA Trophy with a 2-0 defeat to Forest Green in the Second Round.

A double from creative midfielder Marcus Kelly ensured themselves a place in the third round draw.

Forest Green continued to look impressive with a fast-paced, direct style of play – as they looked to break down the Blues defensive line.

But, despite a lack of early possession, it was Chester who had the first shot on target of the encounter. Matty Waters, making his first league start for the Blues, whipped in a corner – which was met by Ryan Astles, who headed over unchallenged from within the area.

Moments later and the Blues tried their luck again – catching Mark Cooper’s side on the counter attack. Elliott Durrell weaved past Charlie Clough but dragged his effort over the cross bar.

The visitors won by a substantial margin on their last away trip, trashing Bromley in their own back yard – and took the lead minutes before half time. Marcus Kelly made the most of some space on the edge of the eighteen-yard box, before curling a stunning strike into the top corner – looping over Alex Lynch between the sticks for Chester.

Marcus Kelly had only scored two goals in this campaign going into the game – but doubled his tally for the season on the 57th minute. Almost a carbon copy of his first goal, Kelly planted his strike into the roof of the net from 20 yards out.

Chester: Lynch, George, Hudson, Astles, Horwood, Waters (Waters 84), Lloyd, Shaw, Durrell, Richards, Alabi. Subs not used: Roberts, Evans, Joyce, Marsh

Forest Green: Russell, Monthe, Clough, Bennett, Doidge, Kelly, Carter (Noble 80), Wishart (Pinnock 60), Sinclair, Cooper, Robert. Subs not used: Marsh-Brown, Wedgbury, Traore.

Attendance: 1,250

Referee: Steve Rushton