YOUTH CUP REPORT | Chester 1-1 AFC Fylde (Chester won 8-7 on pens)

Chester won a dramatic and eventful FA Youth Cup tie tonight on penalties against AFC Fylde.

The Blues will now host South Shields in the First Round Proper of the competition.

Chester started brightly and had two good early efforts – Joe Nelson firing over before Ben Croft was denied by Cian McPartland from inside the area.

But Mike Allcock’s men had their goal on 19 minutes. Sam Bradley released Reece Daly who did brilliantly to drive forward and release an excellent through ball for Harry Griffiths to convert from inside the area.

Fylde almost got back on level terms before the break as Dec Long cut back for Jack Morris, his effort beat Joe Beswick but not Sol Forde who was back to clear off the line.

Beswick was called into action on 65 minutes, getting down well to push away Taelor O’Kane’s effort. Then up the other end, Forde sent a looping header inches wide of the post.

Callum Edwards fired a powerful effort at goal on 72 minutes, forcing Beswick into an extra reaction save.

A lengthy amount of stoppage time was played due to a nasty looking injury for Croft, who was stretchered off, before Taelor O’Kane headed home in the seventh minute beyond the 90.

On to penalties, and the score was locked at 7-7 with ten kicks apiece taken. Fylde’s 11th taker, visibly injured, was unable to take his penalty – and after a lengthy delay forefitted his kick.

This enabled Blues stopper Joe Beswick to blast home the winning spot kick and send the Seals through.

CHESTER: Beswick, Forde, Nelson, Bott, Stark, Ashworth, Croft (Collins 90), Bradley, Griffiths (Rg Daly 60), Rc Daly, Wilding (Bavington 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Davies, Challinor, Westhead.

SCORERS: Griffiths 19; O’Kane 90+7.