REPORT | Runcorn Linnets 0-1 Chester

Kurt Willoughby scored the winner for the second successive pre-season encounter as the Blues defeated Runcorn Linnets.

The new striker confidently dispatched a first half penalty in game five of Chester’s pre-season schedule; as Manager Calum McIntyre returned to his former club.

It was WIlloughby who had the first chance of the evening when Iwan Murray’s dangerous cross dropped kindly to the back post for the forward – but he blazed over.

Nevertheless, he didn’t give the Linnets a second chance when he stepped up to fire home from the spot after Ollie Heywood had been tripped inside the box.

McIntyre’s men dominated the ball for large periods of the half but couldn’t create any further clear cut chances going into the break.

Willoughby then rattled the woodwork minutes into the second half – his fierce free kick from just outside the area crashed against the post before rebounding clear.

Murray – also returning to his former side like the Blues boss – was then put clean through on the hour mark by skipper Declan Weeks; but a covering Runcorn defender did well to block. Straight up the other end, Stuart Crilly was denied by Harry Tyrer.

Just one more chance came before the final whistle, as Matty Williams rose highest to nod Weeks’ corner towards goal – but it was cleared off the line.

CHESTER: Tyrer, Morgan, Heywood, Burke, Weeks, Murray (Marsh-Hughes 75, Kenyon, Hall (Lynch 58), Dudley (Stephenson 46), Willoughby, Williams.

SUBS NOT USED: Stanway, Horsfield, Daly.

SCORERS: Willoughby (pen) 20.