THE MATCH

Chester were by far the dominant force in the opening 45 minutes and were, in truth, the only team in it. They won every second ball and were up for the task from the opening whistle.

But despite their dominance in the first period they failed to find the target but came close on more than one occasion.

The excellent Ryan Lloyd came closest as he blasted a superb 25-yard volley that cannoned back off the woodwork and out to safety with Jake Cole beaten in the Aldershot goal.

Chester continued to threaten and very nearly made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time as Craig Mahon fed Kane Richards who wriggled into some space on the edge of the are before unleashing a wicked rigth-footed effort that was inches past Cole's right hand post.

The second half was a different story, though, as Aldershot took the game to Chester, no doubt spurred on by some choice words from boss Gary Waddock.

Scott Rendell and Josh Wakefield both had chances but Chester defended resolutely and had a huge shout for a penalty turned down in the last second of the game when James Alabi was scythed down in the area but referee Antony Coggins ignored the calls.

ANALYSIS

Even the most positive of Blues fans would have conceded that, with Chester's away form, a trip to a team who had won all of their previous four home games didn't seem to favour Jon McCarthy's men.

But they were more than a match for the high-flying Shots and were full value for a share of the spoils and can feel hard done by not to go home with all three.

The first half at the EBB Stadium was all Chester as they proved a constant menace to the home side, winning every second ball and playing with a drive and determination that has been missing in some of their previous away trips.

This was something really positive to build on. This is a good Aldershot team and one who the Blues were more than a match for.

A clean sheet also gives a boost to the back four heading into Tuesday's game at home to Guiseley.

STAR MAN

Ryan Lloyd: Another superb performance from the midfielder who was at the heart of everything positive that Chester did. He worked tirelessly for the cause, won second balls and could have had his name on the scoresheet with a little more luck.

MATCH FILE

Aldershot Town (4-4-2): Cole, Arnold (Straker 87), Reynolds, Evans, Alexander, Fenelon (Allen 66), Mensah, Gallagher, Bellamy (Wakefield 46), Rendell, McClure. Subs: Conroy, Smith.

Bookings: Wakefield

Goals:

Chester FC (4-4-2): Roberts, Vassell (Waters 64), Hunt, Astles, Hudson, Mahon, Durrell (Chapell 77), Shaw, Lloyd, Alabi, Richards (Joyce 64). Subs: Worsnop, Akintunde.

Bookings: Chapell, Shaw

Goals:

Referee: Antony Coggins (Oxfordshire).

Attendance: 2,445 (132 from Chester).