Match Report: Warrington Town 1-1 Chester

Calum McIntyre’s men earned a hard-fought point on the road at Warrington Town.

Connor Woods’ finish from the penalty spot was cancelled out by Harrison Burke’s late header, after Josh Amis was sent off for an elbow on Connell Rawlinson.

Burke almost grabbed the opener in the second minute when he connected well with a curled Declan Weeks free-kick but Dan Atherton was equal to the effort and pushed the ball away to safety.

The Blues’ number three has been in fine scoring form of late, and with 15 minutes on the clock he went even closer but the score remained goalless as his close-range header smashed back off the bar.

The rebound fell to Kevin Roberts but he couldn’t take advantage and the ball was cleared to safety.

Charlie Caton had the Seals’ next opportunity, but his drilled strike from distance was held in comfortable fashion.

James Harris had a similar chance at the opposite end  just minutes later but Harrison also saved.

Weeks was positive for Calum McIntyre’s men and set up Will Hugill in the final moments of the first half but his effort was straight at Atherton.

A fast-paced and frenetic opening period but one which nether side could find a crucial breakthrough.

The second period began in quieter fashion, with a lack of goal mouth action after the interval.

Paul Carden’s side improved throughout the second period, and were awarded a penalty by Neil Pratt when Elliot Morris was pulled down by Kevin Roberts inside the area.

Woods converted from 12 yards and broke the deadlock at Cantilever Park with just 17 minutes left.

However, a moment of madness from Warrington striker Amis swung the pendulum back in the Seals’s favour when he threw an elbow towards Connell Rawlinson.

A simple decision for the referee, who showed Amis a red card and reduced the hosts to 10 men.

It was a lifeline for the Blues, who took the initiative and levelled soon after through Burke, who sent a bullet header past Atherton in a home goal after a fantastic free-kick from Weeks.

The Seals pushed in the final moments and had one chance through Caton but he snatched at his shot and it flew over the bar.

A point for the Blues, who have 10 days without a game before a trip to face Leamington.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER FC: Harrison, Hunter, Burke, Rawlinson, Woodthorpe, Roberts (Willoughby 80′), Weeks, Hugill (Hancox 84′), Murray (Daly 58′), Caton, Peers (Mottley-Henry 66′).

Subs not used: Pollock.

Scorers: Burke 85′

Attendance: 2,296