Report: Chester FC 3-2 Peterborough Sports
The Seals scored three times on the opening day for the first time since 1979 to claim a tight victory over Peterborough Sports.
Fin Roberts opened the scoring before substitute Dylan Mottley-Henry finished twice past Peter Crook to earn all three points, after Josiah Dyer had equalised for the Turbines on two occasions.
Two new signings linked up in the 20th minute to net the first goal of our 25/26 campaign, as Offrande Zanzala laid the ball into the path of Fin Roberts who slotted past Peter Crook with ease.
An ideal start for the Blues after a tight early period at the Deva.
The Turbines hit back in immediate fashion through Josiah Dyer, who found a pocket of space inside a congested penalty box before his effort bounced past the outstretched hand of Lewys Benjamin.
Zanzala impressed in the early stages and almost grabbed a second for the Blues but he miscued his close-range effort after a low cross from Connor Woods.
The number nine was forced off shortly after the half hour mark in unfortunate circumstances, with his replacement announced as Dylan Mottley-Henry.
Our number 11 flicked a header into the bottom corner after an inviting ball from Fin Shrimpton to re-take the lead, an instant impact.
Once again though, the visitors hit straight back and levelled within two minutes, with Dyer allowed space in the 18-yard box for the second time before he finished with composure past Benjamin.
The second period began at a slower pace after a frenetic first, but Mottley-Henry took advantage of a gap in the away defence just nine minutes after the break to retake the lead.
A floated set piece delivery from Declan Weeks fell to the winger around ten yards out before he stroked the ball home with ease.
Mottley-Henry’s second proved to be the last of the contest, as the Turbines struggled to break down a stubborn Seals defence for the last half hour.
Lewys Benjamin showed his talent with a wonderful save to deny Dan Jarvis’ curled strike in the latter stages.
Dylan almost bagged his hat-trick late on as he drilled with power towards the far corner but the ball struck the post and bounced away to safety.
A positive performance for the Blues on the opening day with a tough trip to Chorley up next, who picked up an impressive 3-2 win at Darlington in the North East this afternoon.
Attendance: 2,383 (44 away)
Lineup: Benjamin, Kelly-Evans, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Leak, Jones, Bainbridge, Zanzala, Shrimpton, Woods, F. Roberts.
Substitutes: Barlow, Mottley-Henry, S. Burgess, Murphy, K. Roberts, Rawlinson.