Report: Morecambe 1-1 Chester FC

A dramatic equaliser from Fin Shrimpton earned the Seals a replay after Morecambe had grabbed the opener mid-way through the first-half.

It was a positive start for the Blues with the ball mainly located in the Morecambe half without a plethora of clear-cut chances.

Iwan Murray went closest early on but his driven strike was blocked on the edge of the box and cleared to safety.

The Shrimps took the lead in the 21st minute as Gwion Edwards found space and curled a powerful effort towards goal that gave George Murray-Jones no chance in the Chester goal.

Jack Nolan looked to double the hosts’ lead shortly after but his low shot curled narrowly wide of the post.

Offrande Zanzala tried to cause Morecambe problems early in the second period but his outstretched leg failed to latch onto Nathan Woodthorpe’s dangerous cross.

Nolan was a threat for the home side and struck the post on two occasions, both with drilled strikes that beat Murray-Jones but bounced to safety.

The Chester shot-stopper made a fantastic, instinct save with seven minutes remaining to deny Elijah Dixon-Bonner who looked destined to score from around 10 yards out.

All the effort and battling qualities showed by Calum McIntyre’s men was rewarded late on as Fin Shrimpton popped up in the box and caused pandemonium in the away end.

Pat Jones’ low strike wasn’t dealt with by Jamal Blackman who palmed the shot to Tom Peers whose strike was pushed to Shrimpton inside the box.

The midfielder showed composure and slotted a finish past the ‘keeper to level the scoreline.

A jubilant moment after a performance full of endeavour that has forced a replay at the Deva Stadium in midweek.

CHESTER FC: Murray-Jones, K. Roberts, Leak, Carson, Bainbridge, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Murray (Shrimpton 75′), Weeks, P. Jones, Zanzala (Peers 63′), Woods (Mottley-Henry 63′).

Subs not used: Barlow, Kelly-Evans, Rawlinson, F. Roberts.

Scorers: Edwards 21′, Shrimpton 90+5′

Attendance: 3,066 (1,307 away)