REPORT | Hyde United 2-2 Chester

    Chester concluded their pre-season preparations with a draw at Hyde United.

    Lewis Earl gave the Blues an early lead, before goals from Jack Redshaw and Eddie Brown put the Tigers ahead. However, an emphatic Kole Hall penalty ensured it finished all square.

    It was the former Tiger in Earl who struck after just four minutes. Jamie Morgan did well to win the ball back and release the midfielder down the right, his cross-shot flying over Giosue Bellagambi and into the net.

    Hyde should have levelled moments later when Jordan Lazebury intercepted Matty Willliams’ header back, but the striker’s lob over Wyll Stanway landed on the roof of the net.

    Blues new signing Earl was a constant threat from set pieces, and almost doubled the lead when debutant loanee Lewis Coulton sent in an inch-perfect delivery, however the header was turned behind by Bellagambi.

    The hosts equalised on the half hour mark as two former Blues combined. Adam Dawson’s fantastic delivery across the box was turned home at the back post by Redshaw.

    Once again Earl went close before half time – Joe Lynch with the excellent cross on this occasion – before the headed attempt dropped over.

    Hyde then took the lead on the hour mark. Dawson was again involved as the ball into the box broke kindly for Brown who slotted beyond Harry Tyrer.

    Nevertheless, Calum McIntyre’s side got back on terms a few minutes later. Iwan Murray’s pass looked set to send Hall clear to equalise – but he was clumsily bundled to the ground.

    The Bermudan forward dusted himself down and showed fantastic power and precision to rifle the spot kick into the corner.

    There was a chance at either end before full time – as Tyrer showed great reflexes to tip Redshaw’s effort over – before Williams headed Murray’s dangerous corner just wide late on.

    CHESTER: Stanway (Tyrer 46); Morgan (Weeks 76), Williams, Trialist A, Coulton; Trialist B, Lynch (Roberts 46), Earl (Willoughby 88); Thomas (Murray 46), Hall, Dudley (Daly 69).

    SUBS NOT USED: Burke.

    SCORERS: Redshaw 29, Brown 60; Earl 4, Hall (pen) 68.

    ATTENDANCE: 214.