MATCH REPORT | Boston United 2-3 Chester

Chester survived a second half scare to pick up an excellent three points on the road at Boston United.

Strikes from Kurt Willoughby, Anthony Dudley and Declan Weeks saw the Blues three to the good at half time, but goals courtesy of Johnson Gyamfi and Sam McLintock made it a nervy ending at the Jakeman’s Community Stadium.

Manager Calum McIntyre had made four changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Gloucester City in midweek. Lewis Coulton, Matty Williams and Joe Lynch weren’t included in the 16 – with Kole Hall dropping to the bench.

Harrison Burke, Ollie Heywood – recalled from his 1874 Northwich loan 24 hours prior – Danny Devine and Iwan Murray all started in their respective places.

An electric opening 45 saw the Blues storm into a three-goal lead.

Willoughby got things up and running after eight minutes, turning in his 11th of the season via the underside of the crossbar following an excellent run and cross by Kieran Coates.

One quickly became two as Dudley nipped in ahead of Jean Leroy Belehouan before driving forward and firing into the corner beyond a helpless Sam Long.

A matter of moments later, Long had to do well to tip behind Weeks’ audacious effort from inside his own half.

Boston started to grow into the game and saw Scott Pollock’s effort deflect just wide after good initial work by debutant Zak Goodson.

Nevertheless Chester were still being afforded too much space at the other end and, after Willoughby had curled wide from Dudley’s pass, Weeks made it three just before the interval.

His shot from 25 yards proved too hot to handle for Long, who saw the ball fly through his hands and into the net.

Ian Culverhouse’s men rallied and almost got a goal back before the break. First, Ben Pollock headed against the crossbar following a corner, before Harry Tyrer made an excellent save to his right to deny Goodson from Keenan Ferguson’s cross.

It started to see more pressure built by the Pilgrims as the second half proved to be nervy for the Blues.

Tyrer made an excellent save one-on-one with Jordon Crawford prior to the hour mark, before he was forced to tip over Goodson’s curling effort.

But Culverhouse’s men did get one back on 71 minutes when a cross from the right was controlled and finished well by debutant Gyamfi.

Sub Sam McLintock then reduced the arrears further, coming off the bench to rifle home an unstoppable effort as we approached stoppage time.

Boston surged forward with late pressure but the Blues held firm for a crucial three points.

CHESTER: Tyrer, Coates, Burke, Edwards, Heywood, Roberts, Weeks, Devine, Murray (Hall 72), Dudley (Stephenson 51), Willoughby.

SUBS NOT USED: Morgan, Kenyon, Thomas.

SCORERS: Gyamfi 71, McLintock 87; Willoughby 8, Dudley 17, Weeks 44.

ATTENDANCE: 1,330 (104 Chester).