YOUTH REPORT | Altrincham 1-3 Chester

Chester FC Youth advanced into the FA Youth Cup First Round tonight with a gritty 3-1 win away at Altrincham.

Goals from defenders Alex Downes and Ryan Dobson – aided by Brandon Dickinson’s header – sealed the win.

Downes struck from the spot with the first real chance of the game.

After just 7 minutes – an Altrincham defender handled inside the box; allowing the Blues centre back to step up and cooly dispatch the spot kick.

Calum McIntyre’s side had opportunities to extend the lead; with Dobson heading straight at keeper Terry before a clever corner found Lloyd Marsh-Hughes who’s strike was cleared off the line.

However, just moments later, the home side levelled. Curtis Miller found some space on the edge of the box – and fired past Ben Gale via an awkward bounce.

Chances for the impressive Iwan Murray and then from Dobson came and went – before Chester went back in front on 40 minutes.

Rhain Hellawell’s long throw caused problems – and Dickinson brilliantly looped a header into the back of the net.

Moments after the break Dickinson met Marsh-Hughes’ cross, but was denied by Terry. Then Marsh-Hughes himself had a chance but was stopped by a brilliant defending tackle from Okunowo.

Nevertheless, the advantage was extended on the hour mark. Murray’s inch perfect corner met Ryan Dobson – who bulleted a header home.

There were chances to extend the lead, as Hellawell was brilliantly denied and Marsh-Hughes shot over from inside the box – but the Blues had already done enough to book their place in Round One.

Hartlepool await for the Young Blues.

Chester: Gale, D Jones, Dobson, Downes, Hardman, Hellawell, Noble, Wallis, Murray (Cottrell 81), Dickinson (Hayes 63), Marsh-Hughes.
Subs not used: Clarke, Kendrick, Molyneux.
Goals: Miller 18; Downes (p) 8, Dickinson 40, Dobson 60.