MATCH REPORT | Chester 0-1 Hereford

Chester’s unbeaten start came to an end despite a positive performance at the Deva against Hereford.

Both sides had plenty of chances but it was a Luke Haines screamer from thirty yards, five minutes from time, that secured the three points for the Bulls.

Blues boss Calum McIntyre made one change from the side that was victorious against Brackley on Saturday as Ollie Heywood came in for Lewis Coulton.

The Seals almost made the perfect start as Anthony Dudley won the ball from Haines high up the pitch and was set to break away before being dragged back, with the defender receiving a yellow card.

The opening chance of the contest fell to the visitors though as an excellent ball over the top set Ryan McLean through, but he took too much time and was forced wide by Harry Tyrer before cutting back to Miles Storey, however the Blues got numbers back to deflect it out for a corner.

Chester responded really well though with some nice play as Kurt Willoughby found the run of Dudley but his effort was turned away by Wade for a corner. From the resulting corner Willoughby found space and worked his way into the penalty area but his shot was off target.

Kole Hall was the next man to get a chance for the Blues as he latched on to Declan Weeks’ free kick, but the Bermudian forward couldn’t direct his header on target.

Hereford were growing in confidence though and after working the ball well down the right managed to pick our McLean on the edge of the penalty area, but his shot was comfortably saved by Tyrer.

Just after the half hour mark another chance came the Blues’ way as Declan Weeks cut inside and curled an effort inches wide of the post. A minute later and a sublime pass from Willoughby set Kole Hall free, he burst into the penalty area before going down under contact but no penalty was given, ensuring it was goalless at half time.

Chances in the second half were more limited but Willoughby was given a sight of goal after a superb ball from Kieran Coates, but the Blues’ marksman saw his effort blocked by Brad Wade in the Hereford goal.

The Blues almost got a stroke of good fortune to put them ahead as Joe Lynch’s cross-shot had Wade worried but the Hereford stopper scrambled across to turn it over for a corner.

Hereford almost benefitted in a similar manner as the game wore on as a cross had Tyrer scrambling across his line to make a great save but the ball was worked back to Haines, who struck a thunderbolt from thirty yards leaving the Everton loanee ‘keeper with no chance, putting the visitors ahead.

Chester went in search of an equaliser and created an opening as Coates got in down the right, he pulled it back to Matty Williams in a crowded penalty area but he couldn’t keep his shot down under pressure from the Hereford defence. In the end Hereford had enough to hold on and take all three points.

CHESTER: Tyrer, Weeks, Burke, Kenyon, Willoughby, Dudley (Stephenson 58), Devine (Lynch 68), Williams, Coates, Hall, Heywood.

SUBS NOT USED: Stanway, Murray, Daly.

SCORERS: Haines 85.

ATTENDANCE: 2,237.