Report: Southport 2-2 Chester
A contest played in torrid conditions ended in a share of the points at Haig Avenue.
Jordan Slew had the first effort on target, just before the mid-way point of the first-half, as he drilled a strike towards the bottom corner that forced George Murray-Jones into a smart stop.
Offrande Zanzala had the Blues’ first opening but his effort flew over the bar after a dangerous cross from Pat Jones.
Danny Lloyd was next to take aim but Murray-Jones was on hand to palm away the effort and preserve parity.
The deadlock was broken shortly after though, as Chester claimed the lead with six minutes left until the interval.
A floated ball was dropped by Chris Renshaw, gifting an open goal to Zanzala who stroked home with ease.
A challenge on Jordan Keane saw Nathan Woodthorpe handed a red card on the stroke of half-time.
The Sandgrounders found an equaliser eight minutes after the restart, as Sonny Hilton powered past Murray-Jones with a drilled strike that found the bottom corner.
Southport looked to utilise their man advantage and pushed high into the away half for the majority of the second period, with blocks denying the hosts on multiple occasions.
Callum Edwards went close with 15 minutes remaining but Murray-Jones stood tall and pushed his effort to safety.
A moment of jubilation arrived for the Blues in the 83rd minute, as a quick counter-attack saw Connor Woods tap home to retake the lead.
Lewis Leigh curled a delightful cross to Fin Shrimpton at the back post, who volleyed towards goal, only for Renshaw to push his save into the path of Woods who was left with a simple finish.
The equaliser came in the 93rd minute for Southport as a low cross found Adrien Thibaut in the 18-yard box, who tapped into the net from close-range.
It’s a switch to FA Trophy action for the Seals on Saturday as Clitheroe travel to the Deva Stadium.
CHESTER FC: Murray-Jones, Kelly-Evans (Woods 60′), Leak, J. Jones, Carson, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Bainbridge, Murray (Leigh 60′), P. Jones (K. Roberts 46′), Zanzala (Shrimpton 74′).
Subs not used: Barlow, Shorrock, F. Roberts
Scorers: Zanzala 39′, Hilton 53′, Woods 83′, Thibaut 90+3′.
Attendance: 1,507 (339 away)