Match Report: Chester 3-0 Hereford

Calum McIntyre’s side returned to winning ways as they comfortably dispatched of Hereford in a 3-0 thrashing.

The Seals absolutely flew out of the traps and opened the scoring inside 40 seconds of the contest.

Will Hugill, who joined the club on loan from Championship outfit Burnley this week, got to the byline and curled a sumptuous cross into the six-yard box and Charlie Caton met it firmly to head past Aaron Chapman and net his eighth goal of the campaign.

Hereford boss Paul Caddis’ game plan was clear as they tried to hit Chester on the break using the pace of their wingers Yusifu Ceesay and Ahkeem Rose.

The Bulls grew into proceedings as the half progressed but the hosts defended with solidity and assurance to deter any potential attacks on Elyh Harrison’s goal.

Alex Babos came close to levelling matters ten minutes after the interval but his free kick brushed the top netting of the goal.

Shortly after, it was then Daly’s turn to take aim from a set piece but his free kick from range was parried by Hereford’s ‘keeper.

The hosts then doubled the deficit just after the hour mark as a header once again breached Chapman’s net.

This time it was Nathan Woodthorpe’s turn to deliver and his cross landed on the head of Tom Peers who made no mistake with his finish.

The Blues rounded off the perfect performance with a team goal that epitomised the camaderie on show this afternoon.

Jack Bainbridge and Harrison Burke combined well as the former intricately back heeled the ball into the path of the full-back.

Burke took a brief look up before firing a low and searching ball across the six-yard box and Caton was perfectly placed at the back post to tap home his second and secure the victory for the Blues.

It was an accomplished performance down CH1 as the players responded in a emphatic manner to take them only one point outside the playoffs.

It represents a perfect start to the month for the club, especially considering the congested schedule over the next few weeks including trips to Darlington and Needham Market over the next seven days.

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan

CHESTER FC: Harrison, Burke, Pollock, Rawlinson (C), Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Hancox, Hugill, Daly (Murray 74′), Peers (Turner 90+3′), Caton (Willoughby 83′)

Subs not used: Hunter, Roberts

Scorers: Caton x2 (1′ & 74′), Peers (62′)

Attendance: 2,398