Chester le Street Town gained a crucial three points from their 4-1 victory over fellow strugglers Brandon United.
Chester took the lead after 11 minutes. The ball was played into the edge of the area to Michael Hepplewhite who fired in a great shot which was heading for the top corner until it deflected off a defender for a corner. Alex White curled in the corner and Kevin Dixon ran in to power in a header. Chester doubled their lead after 18 minutes when the ball was crossed to Hepplewhite and he quickly slipped the ball right to Daniel McGuire and he fired in. After 25 minutes a poor clearance let in Adam Storey but Jack Wilson was quickly out to make a good block. Chester continued to press forwards and created several decent chances but failed to take any of them. Brandon lifted their game in the second half and pout us under a lot of pressure. They pulled a goal after 50 minutes when a free kick was played into the area and Daniel Madden was left unmarked to head in. We then had to defend well to prevent Brandon an equaliser. After 69 minutes, a good passing move saw the ball played down the right and McGuire crossed into the middle but Alex White did not make a good contact and the shot went wide of the left post. Chester extended their lead after 71 minutes when the ball was played in from the right to Hepplewhite and he stepped outside a defender to fire in good low shot. After 78 minutes the ball was played in from the left to Naill Fingleton but his shot across the gaol went just wide of the far post. Chester controlled much of the game from that point. After 81 minutes Hepplewhite was sent clear through the middle but the keeper made a good block. Chester sealed their victory with a goal in stoppage time. A good interchange of passes saw Arron Thompson play a one-two on the edge of the area and he fired home. Overall a decent performance but we must learn to kill off the game with the chances we are creating.
Team : Jack Wilson, Christopher Stephenson, Aaron Reynolds, Craig Marron (David Surrey, 75 mins), Alexander Walker, Kevin Dixon, Daniel McGuire, Danny Naylor (Arron Thompson, 80 mins), Michael Hepplewhite, Lee Mole (Andrew Clarkson, 80 mins), Alex White. Subs Not Used : Calum Greaves, Connor Lyon.
Attendance : 101
Match Officials : Mr. Adam Donaldson, Longbenton Mr. Jonathan Gray, Benton & Mr. Barry Mudd, Rowlands Gill
