SENIOR CUP REPORT | Chester 0-1 Stockport County

    The Blues were beaten in the Cheshire Senior Cup this evening at the Deva by Stockport County.

    Sub Millenic Alli’s excellent solo goal just before the hour mark proved to be the difference.

    Chester were impressive in the opening 45 and created chances while playing excellent football.

    Jude Oyibo was played through on 18 minutes after Declan Weeks had found James Hardy who slid it in behind for the winger, but his effort curled wide of the far post.

    At the other end a few minutes later, Louis Gray had to be alert to come off his line and smother Alex Reid’s attempt inside the box.

    Jack Redshaw had a lively first half but couldn’t find his second Blues goal. His 25-yard free kick on the half hour mark was beaten away by Ben Hinchliffe, before he got an opportunity from the spot as Oyibo was pulled down by Tom Walker inside the area following a short corner.

    Unfortunately for Redshaw, he saw his penalty come back off the post and rebound clear.

    Just prior to that, the Stockport number one made a super reaction stop to deny Hardy after a nice Anthony Dudley back heel – before Hinchliffe was worked again moments before the break, having to save low from from the Blues number ten.

    The National League visitors came out for the second half and their change at the break brought the opening goal.  Alli spun away from Danny Livesey with a fantastic turn of pace before driving into the box and shooting powerfully into the bottom corner.

    A few minutes later Harrison Burke had to defend well inside the six yard box, blocking Reid’s effort and then Ryan Rydel struck the side netting on the rebound.

    On 71 minutes Blues sub Zack Clarke went close, firing just wide of the post after the ball broke to him on the edge of the area.

    Moments after, Gray did well to stop Reid’s shot inside the box before Will Collar volleyed the rebound over the crossbar. The Blues couldn’t quite break down their opponents as the Hatters held on to advance in the Senior Cup.

    CHESTER: Gray, Roberts, Livesey (Horsfield 68), Burke, Clark (Glendon 65), Weeks, Hardy, Oyibo (Clarke 60), Dudley, Redshaw, Stephenson.

    SUBS NOT USED: Waring, Heywood.

    SCORERS: Alli 59.

    ATTENDANCE: 385.