The roller coaster continues as Chester won 5-0 at Tow Law in the Durham Challenge Cup. Chester mad an early breakthrough after 4 minutes when some good play by Nicholas Kane and Ben Johnson set Nathan Fisher through and he finished well. Tow Law had a chance after 18 minutes when Richard Forster received the ball just inside the area but his powerful drive was tipped over the bar by keeper Josh Carmichael. Chester increased their lead after 31 minutes when Robert Palmer sent Nathan Fisher clear down the left and he ran on to fire into the far corner. Tow Law nearly pulled a goal back after 40 minutes when Lee Innes made ground down the right and hit a low, diagonal drive across goal but although Craig Bishop raced in, he failed to make contact. Chester increased their lead in first half stoppage time as Nathan Fisher turned on the edge of the area to fire low into the corner of the net and complete his hat-trick. Tow Law came into the game more in the second half and dominated the opening stages. Substitute Naby Beny Dumbuya twice found space to get in headers but both flashed just wide of the target. Chestergot back into the game midway through the half and after 74 minutes a move down the middle released Ben Johnson but his shot brought a good save from the keeper. Chester did increase their lead after 76 minutes when Nathan Fisher broke clear and although the keeper managed to block his shot, Josh Home-Jackson was on hand to tap into the empty net. Chester made it 5-0 after 83 minutes when Robbie Bird cut in from the edge of the area to fire low into the corner of the net. Tow Law ended the game after 88 minutes when Craig Bishop was sent off for a violent tackle on Ian Dixon. Eleven goals against Tow Law in two games, but I wonder how the team will perform next week.
Team: Josh Carmichael, Chris Hunter, Robert Palmer (Colin Wake, 83 mins), Damian Maw, Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Josh Home-Jackson (Robbie Bird, 80 mins), Nicholas Kane, Nathan Fisher, Kyle Bird, Ben Johnson (James Farrell, 83 mins). Subs Not Used : Ian Davison, Ian Aitken.
Crowd: 52
Referee: Mr. G. Beswick, Newton Aycliffe.
Assistants: Mr. D. Toor, Consett & Mr. M. Ryan, Dunston.