First Team
National League North Tue 28 January Neuven Stadium
Radcliffe
0
Chester
  • Peers (45+1')
  • Weeks (63', 68')
3
0-3

Top-of-the-table Chester picked up all three points at the Neuven Stadium after applying a killer blow with a first-half goal deep into added time, then backing that up with two more finishes after the break to comfortably see off Bernard and Jonno’s men, who were full of confidence after an eye-catching victory over Hereford three days prior.

One change was made to the eleven that started the match last weekend, as Josh Hancock returned to the team in place of George Glendon who was unavailable due to an agreement in his recent departure from the Seals to the Boro.

Inside 13 minutes, both teams had efforts blocked in promising areas which kept the scoreline level after an end-to-end start. Jordan Hulme exchanged passes with Brad Jackson and the former couldn’t beat the yellow shirts in the way of his shot on the edge of the box, before the ball set up kindly for Chester’s Jack Bainbridge 20 yards out, his attempt ricocheted away from goal.

Moments later, Radcliffe opened up a gilt-edged opportunity which should’ve been taken. Hulme was once again creating chances, this time using fast feet to beat a number of oncoming defenders inside the box before setting up an unmarked Tom Walker who had the freedom to pick his spot, the forward could only lash the ball off target.

The game looked to be heading into half-time goalless, but Chester had other ideas as the visitors netted only seconds before the break to frustrate the Boro camp. Declan Weeks’ corner landed perfectly onto the head of in-form striker Tom Peers who guided the ball into the back of the net, kissing the woodwork on its way in.

After the restart, Calum McIntyre’s side converted for a second time as Peers thought he’d secured his brace but a swift offside flag from the linesman halted his celebrations. 

However on the 63-minute mark, Chester doubled their lead. A unfortunate slip in midfield by Danny Greenfield gave the license for Weeks to pick his pocket before advancing forward and firing a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net, away from the outstretched glove of Mateusz Hewelt. 

Five minutes later, Chester wrapped up all three points and ended the game as a competition. Peers wasn’t to be denied on this occasion, his flick at the near post via a cross from the right channel couldn’t be kept out by the goalkeeper, putting the away side in the driving seat with an all uphill battle for Radcliffe in the remaining moments.

The Boro showed a couple of signs of promise via substitutes Luca Navarro and Anthony Dudley, as the former saw his powerful shot well held by Jordan Storer before the latter’s bending effort worked the goalkeeper into a diving save, but it wasn’t enough to convert a consolation and Chester saw out the game to leave with maximum points at the Neuven Stadium. 

Radcliffe will attempt to return to winning ways on the road this Saturday, as we face another long journey with a visit to The Walks to face off against King’s Lynn Town.

Buy your tickets online here!