Hyde United 1-1 Chester

    Harry White’s early strike wasn’t enough to earn Chester victory over Hyde United at Ewen Fields.

    Peter Boyle’s penalty cancelled out the 22-year old’s third minute goal, which rounded off a week of pre-season fixtures for the Blues.

    The visitors could not have started the game in better fashion, after opening the scoring with just three minutes on the clock. Kingsley James flicked on an inch perfect pass for Harry White, who hit a wonderful effort across goal – leaving the Hyde goalkeeper outstretched and unable palm away his strike.

    Hyde continued to press forward in response to the Blues’ early lead, but were consistently denied by Alex Lynch. Arguably the Tiger’s best opportunity fell to Peter Boyle – who picked up the loose ball within the penalty area – only for Lynch to tip his shot across goal.

    Boyle redeemed himself soon after however, when Darren Kelly’s side were awarded a penalty. Tom Pratt was bundled to the ground by Lynch, with Boyle’s resulting spot kick sending the Blues keeper the wrong way to equalise.

    Jon McCarthy made ten changes for the second period, and introduced Craig Mahon on the hour mark for his first appearance of the pre-season campaign. And the Irish-man caused problems from the outset, twisting and turning along the left wing.