Report: Chester FC 0-2 Carlisle United
Our pre-season campaign came to an end with a 2-0 defeat to Carlisle United at the Deva Stadium.
A five minute period mid-way through the second half did the damage for the Seals, with goals courtesy of an Elliot Embleton spot kick and an unfortunate own goal from Tom Leak.
An even start at the Deva Stadium saw very little in the way of goal-mouth at either end.
Regan Linney looked sharp and drove towards the Blues’ defence in the 15th minute, only for his drilled strike to be blocked on the edge of the 18-yard box by James Jones.
The visitors stepped on to the front foot as the half grew and had a great chance to lead when right-back Archie Davies broke in behind but his looped effort was tame and comfortable for Lewys Benjamin.
Junior Luamba was a danger for the home defence but his best effort of the first period was denied by an agile Nathan Woodthorpe who blocked and cleared to safety.
Gabe Breeze wasn’t busy in the first half, with the Seals’ most threatening moment coming through Offrande Zanzala who drove with power at the away back line, only to lose his balance inside the box as he attempted to shoot.
Linney continued to appear as the Cumbrians biggest threat after the interval and he almost earned the opening goal on two occasions, firstly with a low cross that forced Tom Leak into a last-ditch clearance, before a header that gave Benjamin no chance but flew narrowly past the post.
Unsurprisingly the ex-Altrincham man was heavily involved in the break-through, as an excellent through ball by Elliot Embleton was pounced on by Linney before he was brought down by Fin Shrimpton.
A simple decision for referee John Mulligan who pointed to the spot with no hesitation.
Benjamin managed to get a hand on Embleton’s strike from 12 yards but he failed to keep the effort out and Carlisle grabbed a narrow lead.
Mark Hughes’ side doubled their advantage just five minutes later after an unfortunate moment for Tom Leak.
The central defender attempted to clear a dangerous, drilled cross from Linney but his effort was miscued and it sliced into his own net from inside the six-yard box.
The remainder of the contest saw no major chances at either end, as Carlisle settled for a comfortable win on the road.
It was a tough test for Calum McIntyre’s men to end pre-season, who now focus on the start of the league season next weekend with a home clash against Peterborough Sports.