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Report: Chester 1-3 Manchester United XI
Despite a solid performance from the Blues, Chester were defeated by a Manchester United XI at the Deva Stadium after two goals from Gabe Biancheri and a late finish from James Bailey sealed the result.
United came out of the traps quickly and took an early lead in the sixth minute when Biancheri latched on to the ball on the edge of the area before finishing well past Cam Mason.
It was an intense start to the contest in CH1 and the Seals levelled just minutes later, when an inviting Declan Weeks corner was met by Connell Rawlinson.
His downward header was hooked into the net by Tom Peers, who showed good positioning inside the box with his back to goal.
The Chester No. 7 almost had his second midway through the half but shot straight at Elyh Harrison after being played in by Weeks who was enjoying a lively start to the game.
Mitch Hancox almost gave Chester the lead moments after with a curling effort from a free-kick but it flew past the near post as well as the goalkeeper.
The Red Devils re-took the lead in the 36th minute, when Biancheri rounded Mason and grabbed his second of the evening.
It was a half in which Calum McIntyre’s men performed well and created multiple chances but found themselves behind at the break.
Harrison acrobatically pulled off a stunning save to deny a Matty Williams header and prevent an equaliser just after the restart.
Williams’ effort from a corner looked destined to fly into the top corner but the keeper denied him.
After a slow period in the contest Jordan Hunter came to life and rattled the cross bar with a powerful strike towards the far corner.
The two big chances in the second period had fell to the Blues but the equaliser just wouldn’t come, and the Blues were punished late on.
Kev Roberts slipped inside the final third which gifted a great opportunity to James Bailey who finished well past Mason.
It was a spirited performance from Calum McIntyre’s men despite the final scoreline, which was harsh given the balance of the contest.
Match Report by Tom Bird.
Chester: Mason, Hunter (Bott 87′), Weeks (Roberts 60′), Rawlinson (Heywood 70′), Williams, Peers (Turner 46′), Caton (Rosenblatt 70′), Hancox (Bainbridge 46′), Woodthorpe, Pollock (Daly 60′), Murray.
Scorers: Peers 10′