Chester turned in an impressive performance to win 4-2 at Billingham Town, although the scoreline should have been much bigger. Chester dominated the first half, putting Billingham under continuous pressure. After 7 minutes Ben Johnson played the ball to Nichols Kane on the right and moved forwards to take the return pass but he curled his shot just wide of the far post. Chester took the lead after 9 minutes when Nathan Fisher beat the offside trap to race on and slip the ball past the keeper. After 15 minutes. Robert Palmer did well to chase and keep the ball I play on the left by-line. He pulled the ball back into the middle but Nathan Fisher's flicked header went just wide of the other post. After 20 minutes, Nicholas Lane played a ball through the middle, which was missed by a defender and it allowed Nathan Fisher to cut inside but his shot went just wide of the target. Billingham created an opportunity after 25 minutes when Sean Boynton fired in a shot which brought a good block by Joss Carmichael. The ball bounced up to Steve Roberts but he headed over from close range. Chester increased their lead after 30 minutes when Nathan Fisher received the ball on the edge of the area, turned well to fire a shot into the corner of the net. After 35 minutes, Robert Palmer sent Nathan Fisher down the left. He turned back to cross to Ben Johnson but his overhead kick went just over the bar. Chester went further ahead in first half stoppage time when Nathan Fisher controlled the ball well to turn on the edge of the area and fire in to complete his hat-trick. Chester nearly went further in front after 46 minutes when Nathan Fisher outpaced a defender down the left and crossed to Ben Johnson but he lifted his shot over the bar. Billingham Town pulled a goal back after 53 minutes when Robert Palmer lost possession and Damian Maw conceded a free kick on the corner of the box. The free kick was driven into the area and Rob Draper headed into his own net under pressure for Sean Boynton. Billingham enjoyed a good spell of possession but it was Chester who scored next after 61 minutes when Nathan Fisher was forced out left but he turned to produce a superb chip over the keeper into the net. Billingham reduced the deficit after 88 minutes when Shaun Clarke fired in with a tremendous drive from the edge of the area. A superb all-round performance. The first forty-five minutes was as good as I have seen for many season.
Team: Josh Carmichael, Chris Hunter (Luke Gilhespy, 45 mins), Robert Palmer, Damian Maw, Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Nicholas Kane (Kyle Bird, 70 mins), Craig Price, Nathan Fisher, Rob Draper, Ben Johnson (Robert Bird, 76 mins). Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, John Murray.
Crowd: 61
Referee: Mr. W. Khatib, Sunderland
Assistants: Mr. G. Fyvie, Sunderland & Mr. G. Humphrey, Sunderland