REPORT | AFC Fylde Youth 1-3 Chester FC Youth
Chester FC Youth produced a sterling second half performance to advance in the FA Youth Cup.
After falling behind early on – Lloyd Marsh-Hughes’ goal got the game level at the break.
Iwan Murray put the Blues in front just after the interval, before turning provider for Cain Noble’s header to see them advance.
It was a scrappy start to the game at Kellamergh Park.
The first big chance fell to the hosts inside the opening ten minutes – with Iwegbu firing over the crossbar from close range following a corner.
Cain Noble twice had a headed chance on goal in the first quarter of an hour for Chester – but was denied on both occasions by the keeper.
Immediately following the second of his headed attempts, the home side took the lead.
Brad Jones cuts inside from the right and rifled a shot into the top corner – leaving keeper Ben Gale with no chance.
Nevertheless, the young Blues got themselves level on the half hour mark.
Kai Wallis clipped the ball into the area and Lloyd Marsh-Hughes beat the offside trap to meet the ball – eventually getting the ball into the net at the second attempt.
Both sides were conjuring plenty of chances – as Iwegbu fired wide for the home side before a dangerous cross from the left almost found Coasters’ frontman Tasdemir.
Just on the half time whistle – Alex Downes volleyed a bouncing ball wide of the post following a long throw by Matthew Thomson.
Then, minutes after the break, Iwan Murray made his mark on the tie.
Latching on to Marsh-Hughes’ flick on, the Blues number ten nutmegged a Fylde defender – before cutting inside and slotting home.
Two became three just after the hour mark.
More magic from Murray saw him nutmeg another home defender – allowing him to drill a cross in for Cain Noble to nod in from close range.
Noble tried his luck for a brace with a volley minutes later which went wide – before Murray curled one off target after a superb turn.
Calum McIntyre’s side managed the game well and saw out the final minutes to advance in the Cup.
Chester FC Youth: Gale, Thomson, Hardman, Wallis (Cottrell 90+4), Dobson (c), Downes, S Jones (Crilly 58), Noble, Marsh-Hughes, Murray (Dickinson 90), Hellawell.
Subs Not Used: Crayston, D Jones.
Goals: Jones 18; Marsh-Hughes 30, Murray 52, Noble 64.