NLN REPORT | AFC Telford 1-2 Chester
The Blues picked up a much needed three points on the road to boost their top seven ambitions – coming from behind to win at AFC Telford.
George Glendon and Anthony Dudley scored the goals – both beautifully crafted moves – cancelling out Aaron Williams’ opener.
Chester had some early chances – as Brad Bauress drilled wide a deflected effort inside the opening minute – before a well worked opening around the edge of the box saw Brad Jackson’s low curler tipped behind by ex-Chester man Russ Griffiths.
The former Blue Griffiths was being kept busy early on, and nearly made a mess of Glendon’s curling effort moments later, but held on eventually after juggling the initial attempt.
Nevertheless, Telford fired home the opener against the run of play. Jordan Davies latched on to the ball on the right, sent in a low cross which James Hardy dummied, enabling Williams to slam home via the inside of the post.
But Chester weren’t to be deterred and continued to pile on the pressure, with Declan Weeks rifling inches past the post, before Dudley headed over from Jackson’s cross.
The pressure was to be rewarded on 26 minutes though. Another superb move, the best of the lot, saw Glendon drive forward and exchange passes with Dudley – who supplied a delicious assist – for the skipper to score.
Jackson then had a deflected looping shot which had Griffiths scrambling, however it dropped inches over the bar. The impressive winger was to see his day cut short in cruel fashion though – pulling up with injury to be replaced by John Johnston in first half stoppage time.
Louis Gray was forced into his first save of the match seconds prior, making a strong flying stop to deny Hardy, who had cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful attempt.
Chester’s slick play continued into the second 45, as another chance fell four minutes in. Glendon supplied Dudley who in turn found the run of the sub Johnston, but his attempt was beaten away by Griffiths.
They then lost a second player to injury, as Paddy Lacey limped off – Danny Elliott his replacement. Dom McHale would whip a free kick inches wide of the post when play resumed.
McHale would then be wasteful inside the box having a chance unmarked and firing over, before Chester got that all important winner.
A superb assist from John Johnston, who darted past the Telford defence and got to the byline, crossing for Dudley to tuck it into the net from inside the box.
The Bucks had a lot of the ball towards the end but Bern and Jonno’s side held firm to score a brilliant three points.
CHESTER: Gray, K Roberts, Livesey, Grand, Morgan, Weeks, Lacey (Elliott 55), Glendon, Jackson (Johnston 45+4), Dudley, Bauress (Waring 85).
SUBS NOT USED: Askew, Goodwin.
SCORERS: Williams 18; Glendon 26, Dudley 67.