Match Report: Chorley 3-2 Chester

A frenetic contest on the road saw the Seals defeated at Victory Park.

The afternoon started in brilliant fashion for the visitors when a Tom Peers brace from close-range had earned a two-goal lead.

Chorley fought back though and claimed all three points courtesy of goals from Tom Carr, George Horbury and Mark Ellis.

Calum McIntyre’s men took advantage of a fast start in Lancashire when Tom Peers finished from close-range in the 13th minute to give the Yellows a crucial lead.

Taelor O’Kane turned in midfield before he threaded a wonderful ball through to Dan Turner who played a low cross into the six-yard box before Peers finished with composure.

The Seals had flown out of the traps at Victory Park and one became two just eight minutes later, as our number seven repeated his feat from last January and netted two first-half strikes.

Debutant Tom Leak laid an accurate cross into the path of Peers who flicked the ball past Matt Urwin to claim his 16th goal of the season.

It was a frenetic contest under the beaming sun, as both sides threw bodies forward in front of a lively, packed crowd.

The hosts pulled one back inside the opening half hour in controversial fashion as Tom Carr bundled home after Jimmy Storer had the ball dislodged from his hands following Mark Ellis’ powerful header.

Andy Preece’s men drew themselves level just eight minutes later when George Horbury curled a low finish that beat Storer and rolled into the bottom corner.

Chorley’s positive momentum continued after the break, as the Magpies continued to put pressure on the Seals’ defence with long balls that Kole Hall looked to capitalise on.

The visitors pushed back and re-gained a foothold around the hour mark, as Declan Weeks started to create from midfield.

Harrison Burke had our first opportunity of the half but he couldn’t get a sweet connection after an inviting Weeks delivery.

Nathan Woodthorpe then tried his luck with a speculative effort from range that sailed comfortably  over the crossbar and into the Chester faithful.

Ellis almost caused danger from set pieces yet again as the clock ticked over into the final 15 minutes as he sent another powerful header towards goal but it landed safely on the roof of the net.

The 36-year-old did get his name on the scoresheet though, when he dived to head past Storer in the 81st minute from a well-delivered Adam Blakeman free-kick.

Calum McIntyre’s side pushed forward late on to try and equalise but the hosts held on to claim three crucial points.

The Seals are back in action on Tuesday night as Warrington Town travel to the Deva Stadium.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER FC: Storer, Leak, Burke, Rawlinson, Woodthorpe, Roberts, O’Kane, Weeks, Woods (Willoughby 82′), Turner (Mooney 65′), Peers.

Subs not used: Lambert, Daly, Rosenblatt.

Scorers: Peers 13′, 21′.

Attendance: 2804.