Match report
Chester le Street Town started their defence of the Ernest Armstrong Cup with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Billingham Synthonia. Chester took the lead after 9 minutes when Kieran Megran was sent racing down the right to cut into the box and drive the ball across the goal which Lewis Minter turned into his own net. Synners drew level after 19 minutes when a ball into the heart of the Chester area was not dealt with and Kallum Hannah was gifted an easy finish. Chester regained the lead after 25 minutes. The ball was played over to the right for Megran to race forwards and hit a great cross to the far side where Scott Robson climbed well to power home a header. Synners went down to ten men after 70 minutes when Minter received a second yellow card for a deliberate hand-ball. After 75 minutes, Owen Henderson made ground down the right and crossed into the middle where Jack Oliver made contact but the ball went straight to the keeper. Chester sealed the result with the third goal after 86 minutes. The ball was played to the edge of the area to Oliver and he moved into the box to fire home.
Team: Alexander Lawrence, Connor Lyon, Rhys Turnbull, Craig Marron (Sam Overal, 86 mins), Alexander Walker, Kevin Dixon, Joe Grant, Kieran Megran (Owen Henderson, 53 mins), Jack Oliver, Scott Robson, Daniel Candlish (Jai Grant, 56 mins). Subs Not Used : Michael Hepplewhite, Harry Whisker.
Attendance: 108
Match Officials: Mr. Stephen Beresford, Wallsend, Ms. Rachel Martin, North Shields & Mr. Simon Williamson, North Shields
