An inept second-half performance consigned Chester to a 2-0 defeat from Whickham in the FA Cup. After 7 minutes, Danny Petts was played through onto goal but his shot drifted wide of the far post. Chester continued to have most of the possession and after 11 minutes, the ball was played right to Scott Emmerson. With players waiting in the middle for a cross, he attempted a shot but it went wide and high of the target. After 26 minutes some good play left Josh Home-Jackson in space but he failed to get in a shot and the chance was lost. Whickham's first opening came after 28 minutes when the ball was played into the area for Scott Palmer but he blasted his shot well over the bar. After 36 minutes, Craig Price split the which defence to send Josh Home Jackson racing through but keeper Stephen Robinson won the race and the ball was cleared. Whickham made a quick break down the left and the ball was played inside to Craig Rook who saw his shot come back off the bar. On the stroke of half-time, Craig Price paid a short corner to Josh Home-Jackson. His cross found Rob Draper but his header hit the top of the bar. Chester turned in a woeful second half display which let Whickham get on top. Whickham made the breakthrough after 63 minutes. Damian Maw lost possession on the left by-line and it allowed Scott Palmer through and his cross was fired in by Michael Pitt. Whickham Continued to press and it was no surprise when they increased their lead after 72 minutes when Kris Holmes launched a long throw into the area and Michael Pitt saw his back header loop into the net. Chester's only chance came after 77 minutes when Rob Draper played James Ellis into a good position but the keeper managed to get a hand to his shot and turn the ball for a corner. It was Whickham who ended the better and they had a couple of half-chances to increase their advantage. In the end we could have no complaints about the result but the performance was abysmal.
Team: Jonathan Carmichael, Luke Gilhespy (John Murray, 81 mins), Robert Palmer, Nicholas Kane (Michael Allan, 65 mins), Ian Dixon, Damian Maw, Josh Home-Jackson, Craig Price, Scott Emmerson, Rob Draper, Danny Petts (James Ellis, 64 mins).: Subs Not Used : Andy Armstrong, Colin Wake, Dominic Harding, Ian Aitken.
Crowd: 160
Referee: Mr. J. Traynor, Stanley
Assistants: Mr. D. Toor, Consett & Mr. D. Holmes, Stockton