Report: Chester 2-0 Radcliffe

Calum McIntyre’s men claimed a first victory of the season over Radcliffe through first-half goals from Declan Weeks and Charlie Caton.

Weeks had missed the opening two fixtures through suspension but it did not take long for him to make his mark on the start of the campaign, grabbing Chester’s first goal of the night after less than a minute.

Nathan Woodthorpe nicked the ball off a Radcliffe defender before he delivered an inch-perfect cross into the path of Weeks, who smashed the ball past Hewelt in the away goal.

It was an intense contest, with challenges flying in and bookings being handed out to four players in the first half 30 minutes, one for Chester’s Jordan Hunter and one each for Josh Wardle, Josh Hancock and Matt Sargent.

The lead was doubled on the half-hour mark, when another superb delivery was met by Charlie Caton, who headed powerfully in the top corner, an unstoppable effort.

Just minutes later the away side had their first clear-cut opportunity of the game but Josh Hancock close-range header sailed comfortably over the bar.

Weeks and Dan Turner both had efforts as the opening period drew to a close but neither tested Hewelt and the Blues went in two goals to the good, a sensational performance from the Blues.

Following the interval both sides had chances, Hulme with a couple for the visitors, one just flying wide of Mason’s post from a tight angle, before George Glendon and Caton both hit strikes that didn’t test the visiting keeper.

Kurt Willoughby was brought on with just under half an hour remaining and he almost grabbed the first goal of his second spell down CH1.

Glendon was pulling the strings from midfield and creating chances for the forward line, this time his through ball found Willoughby but his clever, drilled strike was palmed away at the near post.

The final moments witnessed very-little goalmouth action and the Blues held on for a crucial first win of the season.

The Seals travel to Alfreton Town on Saturday as we look to build on tonight’s victory.

Match Report by Tom Bird.

CHESTER: Mason, Hunter, Rawlinson, Burke, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Glendon, Weeks,  Caton, Turner (Hancox 78′), Peers (Willoughby 63′).

SUBS NOT USED: Brown, Murray, Roberts.

SCORERS: Weeks 1′, Caton 30′