Chester crashed to their fourth successive defeat, going down 3-1 at Norton. Norton created a chance after 8 minutes when a good cross from the right found Tyson Masters but he could only head the ball into the air and Andy Armstrong was able to clear. After 18 minutes James Middleton fired in a shot which flew just over the bar. Chester's first opening came after 21 minutes when the ball was cleared to the edge of the Norton area and Nathan Fisher fired a first-time shot well over the bar. Norton took the lead after 24 minutes when the ball was played inside to Tyson Masters who fired in a shot which Jonathan Carmichael managed to get a hand to but he could not prevent it going into the net. Two minutes later, a quick throw-in sent Rob Draper through but keeper James Briggs managed to turn his chip over the bar at full stretch. Norton had a good chance to regain the lead after 36 minutes when the ball was played along the Chester area to Sonny Andrews but he fired wide of the target. Chester drew level after 40 minutes when Nathan Fisher hit a corner for Rob Draper to head in. However, Norton hit back almost immediately and regained the lead after 43 minutes. A long clearance found Tyson Masters and he turned inside defender Paul Andrews to fire low into the corner of the net. Inside the first minute of the restart, Norton increased their advantage when Jonathan Carmichael was left stranded on the edge of the area and Tyson Masters fired into the empty net to complete his hat-trick. After 68 minutes the ball was played inside the full-back on the left for Robert Bird to cut inside and fire in a shot which the keeper did well to parry but the rebound just evaded Josh Home-Jackson and was cleared. After 81 minutes, Craig Price curled a free kick towards the goal and Nathan Fisher just failed to make contact as the ball drifted past the post. So, another disappointing result. We have got to start taking some of the chances we are creating.
Team: Jonathan Carmichael, Damian Maw, Paul Andrews (Robert Palmer, 77 mins), Michael Allan (Nicholas Kane, 70 mins), Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Josh Home-Jackson, Craig Price, Scott Emmerson (Robert Bird, 45 mins), Rob Draper, Nathan Fisher. Subs Not Used : Luke Gilhespy, Kyle Bird.
Crowd: 77
Referee: Mr. T. Peart, Northallerton
Assistants: Mr. B.P. Ballantyne, York & Mr. M. Cottingham, York.