Recap: Chester FC v Southport - Blues have to settle for a point after full-blooded battle

Signing off

Thanks for joining us this afternoon. The Blues are still looking for a league win in 2016 but will see this as a step in the right direction.

FT Chester FC 0 Southport 0

That’s it. The Blues have to make do with a point.

First change

Change for the visitors as Liam Nolan replaces Andy Wright on 70 minutes.

Sitter

Unbelievable miss! Crocombe spills a Higgins shot straight to Hannah and he puts it over from four yards.

Opening up

End-to-end game now as Phenix heads straight at Worsnop from Paul Rutherford’s deep cross.

Penalty shout

Penalty claim for visitors as Jamie Allen goes down under challenge from Heneghan but nothing doing.

Good hit

Luke George with a fizzing low strike that Crocombe fumbles before regathering.

Hosts on top

Blues forcing the game at the moment. Right side looking good but need to make it count.

Chance for visitors

A corner is half-cleared and the ball falls to Luke Foster whose shot is saved.

Blues go close

What a chance! Hunt with a fine cross that is inches behind Chapell, who only needed a touch.

Game restarted

We’re back underway. No changes at the break.

Idiots

Booked

Ben Heneghan went into the book for felling Jamie Allen near the halfway line.

Booked

Matty Challoner went into the book for a foul on Craig Mahon in midfield.

Gremlins

Those ghosts got into the machine again so a few things to update...

HT Chester FC 0 Southport 0

Not much between the teams in that half. Scoreline a fair reflection of a game short on clear chances.

Sandgrounders on top

The visitors are enjoying a decent spell at the moment and have forced a couple of corners in quick succession.

Escape

Astles misjudges a long ball and Jamie Allen gets wrong side of him but defender recovers and Allen knocks ball out.

Booked

Mike Phenix gets a ticking off for a two-footed lunge on Rooney. In fact it’s a yellow card for the midfielder.

Southport threaten

Dangerous cross from Phenix on the right hits Heneghan but falls nicely for Worsnop who gathers safely.

Mariners flying

Promising

Close! Nice move ends with a teasing Mahon cross that the diving Chapell can’t quite reach. Much better movement from the Blues.

Goal flash

Even game

Louis Almond has wasted a couple of half-chances for the visitors but the Blues are seeing a little more of the ball.

Rooney chance

What an opening. Southport’s defence were caught out and after Hannah miscued Rooney fired wide from close range. Goal kick given despite the midfield claiming Crocombe saved.

Quiet start

Not much to report from the opening couple of minutes. Ryan Lloyd was hacked down by Matty Challoner but referee Adrian Holmes gave nothing.

Kick-off

We’re underway as the Blues get the game started attacking the away end.

Here we go

Away following

Oli's dream

There’s an inspiring story regarding youth team striker Oli Nugent over on The Chronicle website. The teenager, who hails from the Wirral, made his first senior appearance in the week and has spoke of his determination to become the first cerebral palsy footballer to earn a professional deal. Fantastic stuff.

Read more here.