MATCH REPORT | Chester 2-1 Witton Albion

The Blues advanced in the Cheshire Senior Cup this evening, with a 2-1 victory over Witton Albion.

Dominic Smalley had the first chance of the game for the hosts – rifling an effort from 30 yards out which whistled over the crossbar.

Witton, the Evo-Stik Premier side, were to take the lead though on ten minutes. James Yates supplied the cross from the right, and Billy Smart stooped at the near post to head the ball into the net.

Nevertheless it was a fast response from Chester FC, and Craig Mahon scored the equaliser. The Irishman, making his 196th Blues appearance, twisted and turned inside the box before curling an effort beyond Greg Hall in the goal.

In truth, it was a game of few chances. The visitors almost retook the lead when Josh Wardle turned the ball wide from a corner, and Grant Shenton had to be alert to push away a Will Booth free kick before the break.

The introduction of Deane Smalley conjured up a great chance for Chester with ten to play. The Witton keeper Hall spilled a long ball flicked on by Danny Livesey, but made a fantastic recovery to deny Smalley from close range.

However, the winner was to come from 12 yards just five minutes later. John Pritchard burst down the left and into the box, and was felled by a trailing leg.

Captain Gary Roberts confidently swept the ball into the bottom corner from the spot, scoring the goal that saw the Blues progress into Round One of the Cheshire Senior Cup.