FAYC REPORT | Chester U18’s 2-1 South Shields

Chester’s Under 18’s produced another memorable night in the FA Youth Cup, defeating South Shields late on at the Deva Stadium.

A quiet first half saw a chance at each end before the opener, as Joe Beswick was down well to deny James Thew, before Joe Nelson fired over for the Blues.

The visitors took the lead just before the break as Bryan Taylor’s cutback was tapped in by Albie Fletcher. One almost became two on half time when Thew again fired towards goal, but once again Beswick was equal to it.

Mike Allcock’s men stayed in the game and started to build momentum up the pitch, as Harry Griffiths dragged a shot wide before coming closer moments later, forcing Kyle Seymour into a save.

From the resulting corner, the ball was headed out to left-back Nelson, who cut inside from the right and used his left foot to fire a rocket into the top corner and send the Deva wild.

Chester were now well in the ascendancy and looked determined to win the game in the 90. Oliver Bavington and Reece Daly were both denied by Seymour, before right-back Sol Forde scored the winner in the last minute.

He showed great skill high up the pitch to travel to the edge of the box and power in a fantastic effort of his own to win the game and send the Blues through to face Bradford City in Round Two.

CHESTER: Beswick, Forde, Nelson, Bott, Stark, Ashworth, Collins (Croft 63), Bradley, Griffiths (Challinor 90+4), Rc Daly, Wilding (Bavington 63).

SUBS NOT USED: Davies, Rg Daly, Cooke.

SCORERS: Nelson 82, Forde 90; Fletcher 40.

ATTENDANCE: 284.