REPORT | Chester 0-1 Rochdale

Chester were narrowly beaten by League Two opposition in Rochdale this afternoon at the Deva Stadium.

Devante Rodney’s second half strike proved to be the difference, but the Blues were solid defensively for large parts and unlucky not to equalise late on.

Declan Weeks almost opened the scoring inside the first minute when he intercepted a backpass and rounded up O’Donnell – but the midfielder scuffed his effort wide of the post.

Debutant ‘keeper Harry Tyrer was called into action twice in quick succession in the opening quarter of an hour, making strong saves on both occasions.

As the half progressed Jamie Morgan and Darren Stephenson both fired against the side netting for Calum McIntyre’s side – before Tyrer again had to be big to save from Luke Charman in first half stoppage time.

But Dale did take the lead early on in the second 45. Trialist’s ball across found Jimmy Keohane – who squared beyond Tyrer for Rodney to fire into an unguarded net.

Chester almost got an equaliser in the final quarter of an hour when Morgan cut back for Iwan Murray, but the onrushing Welshman was unfortunate to see his strike crash against the crossbar and away from danger.

CHESTER FC: Tyrer, Morgan, Burke, Williams, Heywood, Earl, Weeks, Lynch, Murray, Stephenson, Dudley.

SUBS: Stanway, Trialist A, Trialist B, Horsfield, Turner, Marsh-Hughes, Clarke, Hall, Daly.

SCORERS: Rodney 54.

ATTENDANCE: 780.