Chester lost a hard-fought game 2-0 at Billingham Synthonia. The first chance fell to Billingham Synthonia after 8 minutes. A shot was blocked and Chester keeper Josh Carmichael was quickly back on his feet to make a good block from the follow-up by Danny Earl. After 10 minutes, Craig Price played a short free kick to Ben Johnson on the corner of the box and he quickly played the ball wide to Robert Palmer but his shot went wide of the target. Play switched to the other end when Craig Perry raced clear down the left but his shot across the goal went just wide of the far post. Chester made an immediate reply and Ben Johnson was played through but his hot was well saved by the keeper. After 16 minutes Synners had another opportunity when a Chester defender blocked the ball which fell to David Yale but Josh Carmichael made a good save to prevent a goal. In the 36th minute, the ball was played out to Nicholas Kane on the right. He crossed towards Ben Johnson but as he turned to shot, he failed to make a good contact with the ball and it was cleared. Billingham took the lead in first half stoppage time. A sort corner was played back to Craig Perry on the corner of the box and his cross-cum-shot sailed over all the defence into the far corner of the net. Chester started the second half well and almost brought the scores level after 47 minutes. Ben Johnson chased a long through ball, beat the keeper and lifted the ball over his head towards the empty net but a defender managed to get back and hook the ball clear off the line. Chester had another good chance after 63 minutes when Ben Johnson curled the ball over to the far post but as Robert Bird ran in he put his header over the bar from close range. Chester continued to press forwards in search of the equaliser and after 78 minutes Robert Bird Played the ball through to Rob Draper and he hit a low cross along the edge of the six yard box but James Farrell ran in to blast the ball high and wide of the target. Synners nearly increased their advantage after 87 minutes when a goalmouth scramble led to Jamie Magowan turning the ball towards the goal but Josh Carmichael managed to scramble back and grab the ball. Synners sealed the result in stoppage time when Ian Dixon was penalised for a foul and David Yale fired in from the penalty spot. Although the result was disappointing, we turned in a useful performance. There was not a lot between the sides and I think we deserved to have gotten something from the game.
Team: Josh Carmichael, Chris Hunter, Robert Palmer, Damian Maw (Luke Gilhespy, 84 mins), Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Nicholas Kane (James Farrell, 60 mins), Craig Price, Robert Bird, Rob Draper, Ben Johnson. Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, John Murray.
Crowd: 83
Referee: Mr. S.M. Stockbridge, Dunston
Assistants: Mr O.J.Murphy, Marton & Mr. I. Patton, Ingleby Barwick