REPORT | Chester 4-0 Bradford (PA)
Chester dominated and were ultimately victorious in their final home game of the season this afternoon at the Deva.
Rob Apter opened the scoring early on, before Kev Roberts’ goal extended the advantage. Marcus Dackers turned home the third before Declan Weeks added the fourth and final strike on a productive afternoon for the Seals.
Manager Steve Watson named an unchanged line up from Saturday’s goalless draw with Alfreton Town, and he saw his side dominate the game.
However, it could have been different if Bradford (PA) had taken their early chance. On two minutes, Lewis Knight intercepted a backpass and ran through on goal but was denied by Wyll Stanway.
Then, a few minutes later, Chester took the lead and never looked back. Roberts with good work in the build up on the right, before the ball in eventually fell to Apter who swept home.
The Blues dominated from there. George Sykes-Kenworthy was down well to save Weeks’ low shot, before minutes later George Glendon’s attempt deflected inches wide.
One way traffic flowed through the half. Darren Stephenson forced the ‘keeper into a save, before Harrison Burke headed just over and Apter curled one just wide before the break.
The lead was deservedly doubled just after the interval though. Apter’s shot was pushed up by Sykes-Kenworthy, and Roberts was on hand to convert the rebound.
Danny Livesey, in his final home game before retirement, almost signed off in style as he collected a pass unmarked inside the area, but the BPA number one managed to kick his effort on to the post and behind.
Apter and then Dackers would go close before the hour mark, before the Salford loanee did get the third midway through the second half. Great skill from Weeks set up the chance, his shot was saved before Dackers fired in his ninth of the campaign.
Three quickly became four when Weeks also bagged his ninth of the season, a great first touch before being initially denied, only for the midfielder to retrieve the follow up and tap in.
The game fizzled out from there, the highlight late on being Livesey’s substitution bringing a wonderful send off at the Deva for the centre back. Happy retirement, Dan.
CHESTER: Stanway, Roberts, Livesey (Williams 88), Grand, Fitzpatrick, Burke (Sargent 85), Weeks, Glendon, Apter, Dackers (Simmonds 71), Stephenson.
SUBS NOT USED: Gray, Roache.
SCORERS: Apter 5, Roberts 51, Dackers 67, Weeks 77.
ATTENDANCE: 1,899.