YOUTH REPORT | AFC Fylde 0-2 Chester
Chester FC Youth toppled National League Alliance Academies Division leaders AFC Fylde with a 2-0 away victory at Mill Farm on Wednesday afternoon.
Second half goals from Tom Ruffer and Sam Turner gave the visitors the victory, as the Young Blues stretched their unbeaten start to the league campaign to 10 games.
Chester could’ve been in front within the opening ten minutes, Will Goodwin breaking beyond the Fylde defence and firing wide before seeing a header well saved minutes later. As a pattern begun to emerge in the game, neither side could create any real chances before the interval.
It took just eight minutes into the second half for Chester to take the lead as Tom Ruffer nodded home from Jake Hampson’s corner. The lead was soon doubled, Regan Rubin squared the ball across to Sam Turner to complete an impressive counter attack and double Chester’s advantage just after the hour mark. Schofield in the Chester goal was only tested from distance with Rubin coming the closest to adding a third with a half volley from distance as Chester resolutely defended the closing stages of the game.
Academy Head Coach Calum McIntyre said: “This group just keep impressing. The level of performance was outstanding right the way across the pitch and again have shown we can compete with the sides that are up there at the top of the division. We have had to stand up to an aerial bombardment against a really physical outfit and we have come out on top.
“We are delighted with our goals and to have again shown that we can match any other side at this level. When you consider the changes we made for a whole variety of reasons from recent weeks, it backs up again how strong this group are and continues to add to what could be an exciting end to the season.
“We move on now to focus on a massive game for us next Wednesday. It’s perfect for us to be able to host this game at the stadium and we know we have to show the best version of ourselves if we want to be in a National final. We’ve obviously got there before and it was a real target for the boys this season, they are 90 minutes away and we will working incredibly hard over the coming days to get ourselves in the best possible place come Wednesday. The support will be massive for us and I urge everyone to play their part, get down to the ground and support these lads on an enormous night for them.”
A reminder that the Young Blues are in action at the 1885 Arena on Wednesday evening as they host Luton Town Cedars in the National League Alliance League Cup Semi-Final with a place in the National Final at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium at stake. Kick off is 7.30pm, admission is free, but donations are welcome at the turnstile.