Signing off
That’s the end of our live coverage from New Bucks Head. It’s been a good afternoon for the Blues and maybe the season’s not over yet.
Thanks for joining us and we’ll be back for next weekend’s game with Torquay United. Keep an eye on The Chronicle website and our Facebook and Twitter pages for Dave Powell’s verdict on the game. Have a great evening.
Full-time verdict
A win against Telford was a must. The poor league form that the Blues have endured in recent weeks has seen a cloud form over the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.
Now, a win over a side bottom of the league below and void of confidence is hardly the stuff of legend but it was a triumph that Chester desperately needed and keeps alive their interest in an FA Trophy that could prove to be their season saviour.
They will face far sterner examinations in the league but this game felt pivotal for the Blues and their progression in the Trophy will be a huge relief to Burr and gives them something to build on in the league.
The switch to 4-4-2 worked and Hattersley and Hannah appear to be forging a good understanding. Dreadful conditions didn’t make for a great game but a win’s a win, and this was extremely important.
Around the grounds
Here’s a selection of scores from the FA Trophy first round:
Aldershot Town 0 Eastleigh 1
Boreham Wood 1 Woking 2
Cheltenham Town 3 Chelmsford City 1
Grimsby Town 1 Solihull Moors 1
Havant & Waterlooville 2 Forest Green Rovers 0
Nantwich Town 2 Matlock Town 0
Tranmere Rovers 2 Wrexham 4
FT AFC Telford United 0 Chester FC 2
Full-time and Chester progress to round two as Ross Hannah’s brace seals a 2-0 victory.
Chester change
Craig Hobson replaces Danny Hattersley, who has worked tirelessly all afternoon.
Lloyd chance
Midfielder spurns a great chance to put the game to bed but hits tamely at Montgomery
What a save Worsnop
Wynter put through for Telford in acres of space and look odds on to score but Worsnop dives at his feet to deny him. Very close indeed!
Should be 3-0
Hannah slides in Lloyd who dawdles on the ball 10 yards out and checks back on himself, getting off a weak shot that is easily saved by Montgomery. Should have been Goodnight Vienna, really.
Chester substitute
Craig Mahon is on for the Blues in place of Jordan Chapell. 72 minutes gone.
Cutting up
The pitch here at the New Bucks Head is really cutting up now. Poor conditions making good football impossible.
Close for Telford
Callum Hassan finds space in the box and his shot looks to be heading in but Worsnop stops with his legs. Close
Quiet start
Not too much to report so far. Neither side committing themselves forward. Chester seem content to keep possession. Another goal for the Blues should kill the game.
Match abandoned at Moss Rose
The game has been called off at Macc with Ashton United leading 2-0:
Half-time thoughts
The conditions haven’t made for a great spectacle but Chester have coped far better. Danny Hattersley has been an excellent partner for the on-fire Ross Hannah, battling well and winning headers. Chester were dealt a slice of good fortune when Luke George escaped a second yellow for a poor tackle. But the Blues deserve to be ahead and another goal early in the second half will kill of a side who look void of any confidence.
Half-time: AFC Telford United 0-2 Chester FC
The Blues can’t complain, been decent enough against a poor Telford side.
Chester substitute
John Rooney on for Luke George. Makes sense, he was a red card waiting to happen
Close for Telford
Deaman almost make an immediate impact, flashing a Dawson free-kick over
Praying for an abandonment?
This sounds like Macc, who are 2-0 down at home to Ashton United, will be doing a rain dance at half-time:
Red-hot Ross
There’s no stopping Ross Hannah at the moment. That’s eight in eight. Keep them coming!
Hannah gets it
Ryan Lloyd through ball to Hannah sees the Blues striker find his way into the box before lashing past Montgomery. A welcome cushion.