FA Youth Cup Report: Chester FC U18 2-1 Curzon Ashton U18

Drama in second half stoppage time saw the Seals progress to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup!

Sammy Dyer had the first clear-cut chance in the ninth minute as he picked up the ball just outside the area and sent a powerful strike towards goal that rose just above the crossbar.

Dyer proved a threat to the Curzon back line in the early stages, and sent a similar opportunity over the bar with a half-volleyed effort as the clock neared the 20-minute mark.

The Blues were in the ascendency throughout the first-half but couldn’t break down a stubborn Nash back line.

A fast-flowing move cut through the visitors as half-time edged closer, as Connor Murphy and Isaac Bush linked up nicely before Harrison Edwards’ initial strike was pushed back into the six-yard box.

The away ‘keeper was then forced into a miraculous double save to deny Bush from close-range which kept the scoreline goalless going into the interval.

Luka Salvatore was introduced at the break in forwards areas and had the first clear-cut chance of the second period but his curled effort from inside the 18-yard box bounced wide.

Salvatore went one better and grabbed the opener in the 66th minute when he latched on to a low cross inside the 18-yard box and finished with composure into the back of the net.

Curzon equalised just five minutes later when the ball fell on the edge of the box to the visitors’ number nine who drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

Zach Abbott almost netted with five minutes remaining as he flicked a Connor Murphy corner towards the far post only for it to land in the Curzon ‘keeper’s hands.

The contest ended in jubilant fashion for the young Seals as Ollie Cattermole broke through and finished confidently deep into stoppage time to earn progression to the Second Qualifying Round.

A victorious night in tough conditions for the Blues, who now await the draw to find out their next opponents in the FA Youth Cup.

Chester FC starting XI: Cal Mackin (GK), Kian Power, Joe Ireland, Jakub Belski, Zach Abbott, Harry Deakin, Connor Murphy, Lewis Corbett, Isaac Bush, Sammy Dyer, Harrison Edwards.

Substitutes: Jake Carroll (GK), Kai Radcliffe, Dan Kennedy, Luka Salvatore, Cam Forbes, Ollie Cattermole, Will Smith.

Scorers: Luke Salvatore 66′, Ollie Cattermole 90+5′