Match Report: Chester 1-1 Curzon Ashton

The Blues were forced to settle for a point at the Deva Stadium after a hard-fought contest with Curzon Ashton.

An own goal from Will Hayhurst put Calum McIntyre’s side in front early on but Alex Curran drew the away side level just three minutes later.

The scoreline remained level for the remainder, with a distinct lack of goalmouth action in the second half.

Tom Peers had the first opportunity of the afternoon after he linked up with Declan Weeks but our number seven glanced his header just wide of the far post.

Iwan Murray, who returned from injury in last Saturday’s defeat to Scunthorpe United, went close soon after but his curled effort was pushed behind by Bobby Jones.

The Seals held the early advantage in the contest and made the good start count in the 13th minute, as Hayhurst sliced the ball into the back of his own net after a dangerous cross from Peers

Craig Mahon’s side responded in quick fashion through Curran, who executed a low finish that defied the reach of Jimmy Storer to draw the scores level and to cap off a very entertaining first 16 minutes at the Deva Stadium.

The clash mellowed after the equaliser, with limited action in either box apart from an ambitious long-range effort from Dan Mooney that sailed over the bar.

Dylan Mottley-Henry almost bundled home from close-range just after the half-hour mark, but the ball was held by Jones and both sides went into the break level.

A quick move from the Blues early in the second half almost caught the visitors out when Dan Mooney fed Iwan Murray who found space in behind the Curzon back line but his drilled strike was blocked by Jones.

Both sides lacked threat in the second period but appeared solid at the back, with general play centred in a tight midfield battle.

Kurt Willoughby replaced Mottley-Henry mid-way through the half and sent a free-kick towards goal from over 30 yards out that dipped in dangerous fashion but flew wide of the post.

Murray was a live wire in midfield and was fed inside the box by substitute Dan Turner but the number 20’s strike was blocked on the edge of the area.

A fantastic looped ball from Turner gave Peers the chance to shoot as the clock ticked over into additional time, but his shot was rushed and bounced into the hands on Jones.

Storer was called into action deep into the five minutes of stoppage time when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts cut inside and struck towards the far post but the ball was pushed behind for a corner.

The Blues were forced to settle for a point after a contest that started in bright fashion but saw limited action in either box.

Calum McIntyre’s men return to action with an important test on the road against Hereford at Edgar Street.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER FC: Storer, Roberts, Burke, Rawlinson (Leak 38′), Woodthorpe, O’Kane (Bainbridge 71′), Weeks, Murray, Mooney (Turner 76′), Mottley-Henry (Willoughby 66′), Peers.

Subs not used: Woods.

Scorers: Hayhurst OG 13′

Attendance: 2,666