REPORT | Eastleigh 2-2 Chester

Chester produced a fantastic fightback this afternoon to earn a more-than-deserved point in a scintillating encounter at Eastleigh.

Goals from James Akintunde and Ryan Astles in the last half hour ensured a share of the spoils at the Silverlake.

It took the hosts under 120 seconds to gain the lead in this game – Ben Williamson firing home from just outside the box.

Nevertheless, Marcus Bignot’s side responded well. Akintunde beat Flitney to the ball and cut back for Ross Hannah – but Boyce was on hand to clear off the line.

Jordan Archer then almost levelled as he connected with Astles’ flick on – but couldn’t find his feet and finish.

Then, in first half stoppage time, Kingsley James fired inches wide of the far post from Lathaniel Rowe-Turner’s cross following a quick free kick.

Nevertheless, the home side doubled the advantage after the break. The experienced Gary McSheffrey headed home from Mark Yeates’ cross.

But the Blues did not fold – and halved the deficit on the hour mark. James’ cutback from the right was fired into the back of the net by Akintunde.

Chester continued to press – Dawson firing just over, Howe nearly turning the ball into his own net and sub Nyal Bell coming agonisingly close to an Akintunde cutback with the goal at his mercy.

Then, with one minute of normal time remaining, Astles nodded into the bottom corner from Dawson’s whipped corner.

A deserved point for the boys in Blue.

Chester: Mitchell, Hall-Johnson, Halls, Astles, Gough, Rowe-Turner, Dawson, James, Hannah (Bell 85), Archer, Akintunde (Joyce 90+2).
Subs not used: Vaughan, Davies, White.
Goals: Williamson 2, McSheffrey 53; Akintunde 60, Astles 89.