Report: Chester FC 1-2 Bedford Town

Bedford Town picked up a 2-1 victory at the Deva Stadium thanks to goals from Ryan Doherty and Tyrone Marsh.

Dylan Mottley-Henry had the first opportunity as he cut inside dangerously but fired over before a second chance after good link-up play with Tom Peers.

Our number seven flicked to Mottley-Henry who had found space in behind but his effort was comfortable for Nathan Ashmore.

The Eagles took the lead in the 19th minute through centre-back Ryan Doherty who headed past George Murray-Jones from a well-delivered corner.

Nathan Woodthorpe went closest in the latter stages of the opening period after a powerful drive towards the 18-yard box before his effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Bedford were reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute as substitute Sam Brown was dismissed for a late challenge on Jack Bainbridge.

The Blues pushed forward and tested Ashmore on numerous occasions, firstly through Festus Arthur who had his shot pushed over, before Declan Weeks’ long-range lobbed strike was palmed on to the crossbar to preserve Bedford’s lead.

Tyrone Marsh scored his 11th goal of the season from close-range with 13 minutes left on the clock to double the visitors’ lead.

Chester pushed for a route back into the contest late on and grabbed one as Offrande Zanzala tapped in from close-range after Bainbridge flicked towards goal in stoppage time.

It ended in defeat for the Blues who now look ahead to next week’s FA Cup First Round tie on the road at Cambridge United.

CHESTER FC: Murray-Jones, Kelly-Evans (Zanzala 55′), Leak, Arthur, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Murray (Weeks 46′), Leigh, P. Jones, Peers (F. Roberts 78′), Mottley-Henry.

Subs not used: Barlow, Shrimpton, Woods, Carson.

Scorers: Doherty 19′, Marsh 77′, Zanzala 90+4′

Attendance: 2,492 (80 away)