18's deserve at least a point at Chester

Full Time Chester 3 Ashton Athletic 2 at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.

After the game manager Brad Reid stated he was "Proud of the lads tonight against a very good National league club Chester. After a defensive and goal keeper mix up in the 1st minute, gifting Chester an early lead, I couldn't ask anymore from the lads."

With several key players missing Ashton matched Chester for long periods, and were always in the game. Chances fell to either side but Chester finished the half 1 nil up.

An evenly balanced second half, with chances at both ends saw Chester take a 2 nil lead with a quality strike from the Chester left back.

Ashton never gave up with the ever impressive Harry Johnson pulling one back, cutting in from the left and firing under the keeper.

Ashton were then caught on the break pushing for an equaliser, and it was with good fortune for the opposition that the ball broke free into the path of the Chester striker who made no mistake, firing it low under the advancing Shorrocks in the Ashton goal to make it 3-1.

Not done Ashton forced several chances but a second from Harry Johnson came too late with Chester looking for the final whistle.

The manager again stated he "Couldn't ask anymore from the lads and thought they were a little bit unlucky not to at least get a point from the game."

There were impressive performances all over the pitch. Azza, Matty and Dec were immense in midfield, with Taylor and Sam leading the line tirelessly upfront. It was also great too see Dom making an impressive impact from the bench after 12 months out with a nasty injury.

Harry Johnson was a constant threat getting the two goals but it was great to see another long term absentee Lucas Picton back near to his best, after a long time out injured and just edging the Man of the Match.
The lads should be proud having matched a very good Chester team who quite rightly sit near the top of the North West Youth Alliance as a National league club.
Congratulations to them on the win, and I wish them the best of luck in their pursuit of the title.