Match Report: Darlington 1-0 Chester

Calum McIntyre’s men were defeated in the North East by Darlington after a contest which saw limited goal-mouth action at either end.

Cedric Main grabbed the only goal of the game in the 50th minute, when the 27-year-old finished into the bottom corner from close-range.

A chilly night in the North East kicked off in cagey fashion, as both sides struggled to dominate the ball.

Jack Bainbridge had the first major chance for the Seals but his low, drilled effort bounced wide off the post.

The hosts’ first opportunity came through midfielder Will Hatfield as he curled a floated shot towards goal but Elyh Harrison held in comfortable fashion.

It was a half of few chances at Blackwell Meadows, but Reece Daly almost tested Peter Jameson on the half hour mark with a powerful free-kick that flew just over the woodwork.

Jack Maskell was a nuisance for both Ben Pollock and Connell Rawlinson inside the Seals box but he failed to cause any major trouble for Harrison.

Steve Watson’s men took the lead five minutes after the break, when the ball fell to Main from close-range who finished expertly into the bottom corner.

A sucker-punch for the Seals, after a very even first period.

Will Hugill, who impressed on his debut against Hereford, went on a mazy run on the hour mark but his shot failed to trouble Jameson and flew over the bar.

The rest of the contest saw few chances for either side, but Kurt Willoughby had a low effort blocked on the edge of the box after he replaced Charlie Caton.

Darlington kept it tight at the back for the remainder and restricted Chester, who will look to bounce back on Saturday when we travel to Needham Market.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER FC: Harrison, Burke, Pollock (Hunter 67′), Rawlinson (C), Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Hancox (Turner 78′), Hugill, Daly (Murray 67′), Peers, Caton (Willoughby 65′)

Subs not used: Roberts

Scorers: N/A

Attendance: 1260