Report: Cambridge United 3-0 Chester

The Blues’ FA Cup campaign came to an end as three first-half goals for Cambridge United secured their spot in the Second Round.

The hosts made a fast start at the Cledara Abbey Stadium and took the lead from a set-piece in the 10th minute, as a looped free-kick was bundled past George Murray-Jones by Kylian Kouassi.

Calum McIntyre’s side’s first opportunity came through Nathan Woodthorpe, who connected well with Pat Jones’ drilled cross, but his low shot slid wide of the post.

The U’s doubled their lead in the 35th minute as Kouassi got his second of the contest.

The forward found space in behind the away back line and sent a low strike into the bottom corner from an acute angle.

James Brophy was a threat for Neil Harris’ men and went close to a third with a free-kick that flew narrowly over the top.

Kouassi was involved as Cambridge increased their lead in first-half stoppage time, as his pass was latched onto by Brophy who curled a strike into the top corner.

The first chances of the second-half came through the hosts, firstly as Dom Ball’s volley was dragged wide, before Ben Knight’s shot flew over.

P. Jones looked a threat throughout and found space in the home 18-yard box but his low shot was gathered by Jake Eastwood.

The second-half saw a lack of goalmouth action, but Eastwood was also tested by Jack Bainbridge from long-range just after the hour-mark.

Glenn McConnell had the final major chance for the hosts but his effort was blocked inside the box, before substitute Connor Woods went close in the latter stages with a long-range strike that drifted wide of the post.

CHESTER FC: Murray-Jones, Leak (K. Roberts 89′), Arthur (J. Jones 46′), Carson, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Murray, Weeks, P. Jones (Zanzala 63′), Peers (Woods 89′), Mottley-Henry (Kelly-Evans 19′).

Subs not used: Barlow, Leigh, Shorrock.

Scorers: Kouassi 10′ 35′, Brophy 45+3′.

Attendance: 4,329 (1,231 away)