Chester crashed 6-2 at home to Penrith. Penrith nearly took the lead straight from the kick off. Grant Davison fed Matty Lea on the right and he was allowed to make ground before crossing to the far post. Dean Douglas hit a good volley which brought an excellent block by keeper Jonathan Carmichael and the loose ball ran across the goal to safety with the other Penrith players unable to make contact. The game changed in the 5th minute when Rob Draper was penalised for a handball on the line. Many people thought the ball had already crossed the line and that the referee should have just used some common sense and awarded a goal. However, he awarded a penalty and produced a red card. Craig Wilson duly fired in from the spot kick to give Penrith the lead. Two minutes later, Matty Lea received a ball through the middle and he advanced to slip the ball past Jonathan Carmichael. Chester came back into the game after 12 minutes when Nathan Fisher had a shot blocked and James Ellis was on hand to fire in the rebound. Penrith increased their lead after 23 minutes when Wayne Robertson climbed above all the defence to head in from a corner. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Chester took the game to Penrith. After 25 minutes, Craig Price hit a good cross into the middle but Ian Dixon fired his shot over the bar. Chester were unfortunate not to pull a goal back after 29 minutes when keeper Andrew Willis blocked a shot and he recovered quickly to block the follow-up shot from Damian Maw. Penrith went further ahead after 37 minutes when the ball was switched to the right and the cross into the middle found Grant Davidson who fired home. After 50 minutes, Craig Price hit a free kick from the right towards the far post. Andy Armstrong got in a downwards header but it lacked pace and the keeper made a comfortable save. Penrith added another goal on the hour mark when a quick break sent Craig Wilson free down the right. He cut in the box and as Jonathan Carmichael rushed out he managed to find the unmarked Matty Lea who fired into the empty net. Chester pulled a goal back after 67 minutes when Nathan Fisher found some space and he fired in. Penrith completed the scoring in stoppage time when Daniel Robinson scored although there was a suspicion of offside. Despite the scoreline, Chester did not play too badly but it was always going to be an uphill battle after Rob Draper had been sent off.
Team: Jonathan Carmichael, Damian Maw, Ian Davison, Luke Gilhespy (Kyle Bird, 73 mins), Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Robert Bird (John Murray, 65 mins), Craig Price, Nathan Fisher, Rob Draper, James Ellis (Danny Petts, 65 mins)
Crowd: 67
Referee: Mr. P. Brown, Westerhope
Assistants: Mr. D. Rathband, Blyth & Mr. P Sweeney, Newbiggin