REPORT | Ramsbottom 0-1 Chester

Chester picked up their first win of pre-season this evening – securing a 1-0 win over Ramsbottom United at the Harry Williams Riverside stadium.

The first 45 was a predominately possession based affair with the Blues featuring a number of first team players mixed with trialists.

The first real opportunity took 40 minutes to arrive and fell to Trialist C who poked an effort beyond the onrushing Ramsbottom goalkeeper but was denied by the post. Moments later, Dan Mooney’s effort from distance flashed narrowly wide.

Chester’s tempo increased in the second period and were presented with the opportunity to take the lead after Gary Stopforth was brought down inside the penalty area. John Pritchard took the responsibility from 12 yards just after the hour mark and slotted home.

It was a case of Deja Vu just eight minutes later as Chester were awarded their second penalty of the game. Matty Hughes brilliantly controlled a ball from over the top before being bundled over inside the area. Nevertheless, Pritchard couldn’t make it two from two and blazed over from 12 yards.

The hosts struggled to muster any response and it was the Blues who continued to probe for a second goal. An effort from distance from Craig Mahon was pushed away by the Rams goalkeeper before Matty Hughes fired wide moments later.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side held out for the win – in what was a good workout for the Blues with every selected player picking up valuable minutes as the National League North campaign beckons.

Match Report by Matty Johnson