Chester-le-Street only had themselves to blame as they allowed Horden to come from behind to win 2-1. Horden were given the chance to take the lead after 6 minutes when Andy Armstrong was penalised for pulling and they were awarded a penalty. However, keeper, Josh Carmichael brought off a great save from Stephen Thomas's spot kick. Horden continued to press forward and after 13 minutes, Mark Nicholson saw his drive flash just wide of the post. Chester failed to make much impression in the first half with chances limited to long range shots which did not test keeper Craig Shields. Chester did come close after 33 minutes when Rob Draper made ground down the left and crossed to the far side but Craig Price saw his volley go wide of the target. Horden came close to extend their advantage after 38 minutes when a good cross field pass sent Darren Atkinson down the left. He cut inside to hit a low drive across the face of the goal but no-one was able to make contact. After 43 minutes a long through ball led to Armstrong attempting to head back to the keeper. The ball was intercepted by Atkinson, but Carmichael was quickly out to make a good save at his feet. Chester were rather fortunate to go in level at the interval but they came out more determined in the second half. Nathan Fisher saw his shot come back off the bar and they made the breakthrough after 52 minutes. Shields made a good block from a shot but as the ball ran free, Fisher was quickest to react and his took the ball past Shields to fire into the net. Chester then controlled the game and looked in no danger. Horden should have equalised after 67 minutes when Atkinson cut the ball back to Andrew Shingleton but he scooped the ball over the bar from a few yards. Horden did equalise after 74 minutes when Carmichael failed to hold a low shot from the left and the ball fell for Jonathan Monaghan to fire home. That goal lifted Horden and the pressed forward in search of the winner. The goal came on 80 minutes when Thomas fired in through a crowd of players. Chester fought hard but could not find an equaliser.
Team: Josh Carmichael, Luke Gilhespy (John Murray, 89 mins), Robert Palmer (James Ellis, 45 mins), Scott Donaldson, Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Nicholas Kane, Craig Price, Nathan Fisher, Robbie Bird, Ben Johnson. Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, Ian Aitken
Crowd: 58
Referee: Mr. K. Raine, Silksworth
Assistants: Mr. D. Formby, Jesmond & Mr. E. Heward, Grimbsy