MATCH REPORT | Banbury United 2-2 Chester

Anthony Dudley struck late to keep the Blues unbeaten run intact on a cold Tuesday night at Banbury United.

The sub struck two minutes from time to secure a point, after deflected goals from Sam Brown and Giorgio Rasulo had cancelled out Kurt Willoughby’s opener.

Calum McIntyre made three changes from the narrow success over Bradford (PA). Alex Kenyon, Joe Lynch and Kole Hall replaced Harrison Burke, Danny Devine and Dudley – who all dropped to the bench.

The first half was a quiet affair, with both sides having extended spells of possession but not creating in the final third. Banbury had the first half chance as Ben Acquaye’s header was comfortably held by Harry Tyrer.

Moments later, Chester got themselves a penalty. Iwan Murray did well inside the box to draw a clumsy foul from Jak Hickman and Referee Liam Corbett pointed to the spot.

Willoughby stepped up and confidently dispatched his 13th of the season.

However, the hosts mustered an instant response. Sam Brown’s cross from the left deflected fortuitously into the back of the net off Liam Edwards.

An opportunity at each end came and went before the break, as Lynch drove wide for the Blues before Walsh blasted one off target from just inside the area.

The Puritans started the second half brightly and had a chance on 50 minutes when Acquaye’s cross broke kindly for Alex Babos, but Tyrer saved and held his low attempt.

Banbury skipper Rasulo had the next effort, as his free kick got up and over the Chester wall, but Tyrer was across well to save.

Nevertheless Rasulo wasn’t to be denied, and the hosts led via a second deflected goal of the game. The number eight met Acquaye’s centre and found the net via the foot of a Chester defender.

In a game of few chances though, McIntyre’s men made their big moment count at the end.

Adam Thomas’ cross was turned towards goal by Ollie Heywood, and Dudley met the loose ball to equalise and ensure it finished level.

CHESTER: Tyrer, Coates (Burke 85), Edwards, Kenyon, Heywood, Roberts, Lynch (Dudley 61), Weeks, Murray (Thomas 46), Hall, Willoughby.

SUBS NOT USED: Morgan, Devine.

SCORERS: Brown 23, Rasulo 64; Willoughby (pen) 20, Dudley 88.

ATTENDANCE: 835.