Chester went down 3-1 at home to Dunston UTS. The game was played on a very heavy pitch which cut up badly as the game progressed. Dunston took the lead inside the first minute when the ball was played to Terry Galbraith just inside the Chester area and he turned well to fire into the net. After 11 minutes, Fergal Harkin hit a high ball over to the left for Terry Galbraith to hit a good volley across the goal but it went just wide of the far post. Dunston had another good chance after 22 minutes when Chris Laws broke clear down the right and cut inside but his shot brought a good block from Chester keeper Ian Aitken. Chester equalised after 35 minutes. Rob Draper won possession on the edge of the area and slipped the ball to Nathan Fisher who fired a powerful, low shot into the corner of the net. In the first minute after the restart, Dunston made a quick break which set Fergal Harkin free on the right but his good shot went just over the bar. After 56 minutes, Ben Johnson broke through the middle and although he was pulled back by Michael Laws, the referee played advantage and Johnson saw his shot well-saved by keeper Liam Connell. Dunston regained the lead after 63 minutes. Steve Preen beat Luke Gilhespy on the left and crossed to the far side for Fergal Harkin to volley in from close range. Dunston extended their lead after 66 minutes. Terry Galbraith floated a free kick towards the far post and it eluded everyone to go into the net. In the last minute Andrew Bulford broke through but fired wide of the post from a good position. A goof first half performance from Chester but they failed to make much impression in the second half and in the end were a well-beaten side.
Team: Ian Aitken, Luke Gilhespy, Robert Palmer, Kyle Bird, Andy Armstrong, Scott Donaldson, Nicholas Kane (Alex White, 78 mins), Robbie Bird, Nathan Fisher, Rob Draper, Ben Johnson. Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, Damian Maw, Michael Allan, Alex McKenzie.
Crowd: 101
Referee: Mr. N.J. Sharp, Hartlepool
Assistants: Mr. A Duffy, Middlesbrough & Mr. O.J. Murphy, Marton