Solihull Borough . . 2 Chester City . . 4
A DEAN Spink hat-trick earned Chester City a well deserved victory in last night's FA Umbro Trophy replay at Solihull, and set up a fifth-round home tie against fellow Nationwide Conference outfit Hereford.
The victory meant City have extended their unbeaten run to seven matches, after a secondhalf fightback turned the match in the visitors' favour.
Chester went behind after 18 minutes. Phil Bolland was harshly adjudged to have fouled Gary Knight in the area and Derek Hall converting a rebound after 'keeper Wayne Brown had saved his penalty.
Spink equalised on the stroke of half-time, scoring from close range following a deep cross from Carden.
The Midlanders restored their lead after 54 minutes, Chris Smith converting a firmly struck cross from Knight.
Chester's superior fitness then came into play and Whittaker brought out a fine save from Murphy, before the ex-Southport player crossed to Bolland, who headed the equaliser after 63 minutes.
Spink put City into the lead for the first time after 72, following neat work between Beesley and Whittaker.
The ex-Shrewsbury Town striker completed his trio of goals, in injury time, in bizarre fashion.
After the match City manager Mark Wright said: "I was happy with the amount of chances we created, and of course our fitness is now beginning to get to an acceptable level."
CHESTER CITY: W Brown, Lancaster, M Rose, Carden, Bolland, Brabin, McGorry, Blackburn, Whittaker, Beesley, Spink. Subs: D Brown, Porter, Woodyatt, Collins, Haarhoff...SUPL:
