A second-half cracker from Tom Peers gave Chester FC a deserved but hard-fought win over a robust Hednesford Town outfit.

Chester, who included ex-Aston Villa keeper Dylan Forth as a second-half trialist, would have expected to be in control against opponents from a division below and that's how things panned out, although the Pitmen's long balls kept the back four occupied.

The first-half followed a similar pattern to the weekend's game with Trafford: Chester had the lion's share of possession and threatened in flashes but lacked that killer touch in the final third.

Craig Hobson got the breakthrough on 38 minutes when he nodded home Ross Hannah's lofted cross, but the lead lasted less than two minutes as the Blues were caught in possession and Ahmed Obeng smashed the ball past Jon Worsnop from the 20 yards.

Peers netted what proved to be the winner nine minutes after the restart, rocketing a shot into the top corner following good work from Craig Mahon.

George Thomson and Kane Richards, whose weak shot was cleared off the line when he looked certain to score, went closest to adding the third Chester's dominance merited.

Talking points

Tom Peers: His thumping finish for the second goal should give him a huge dose of confidence. Peers was given another run wide right having shown up well there in the Rochdale game. Could that be his best position at the moment? His strike was instinctive, powerful and gave the keeper no chance. There's still lots to work on but this was another step in the right direction for the 19-year-old.

The pitch: You can't blame the pitch but it took Chester the best part of 20 minutes to come to terms with the surface. Hednesford were big and direct, and the long grass suited that approach. Of course that's the home side's prerogative and the Blues know the pitches in the National League won't be conducive to a short passing game so from that perspective it was helpful practice for them.

Match facts

Hednesford Town: Parton, France (Ennis 70), James (Heath 46), Morrison (Bailey 24), Mills, Tilt, Craddock (Todd 46), Birch (S Williams 58), Perry (Robinson 70), Obeng (Mugisha 70), Sanders (Trainer 58).

Subs: T Williams.

Goal: Obeng 40.

Chester FC first-half: Worsnop, Tonge, Sharps, Kay, Hunt, George, Rooney, Shaw, Chapell, Hannah, Hobson.

Chester FC second-half: Forth, Higgins, Sharps, Kay, Hunt, Thomas, Mahon (Rooney 83), Hughes, Peers, Thomson, Richards.

Goals: Hobson 38, Peers 54.

Referee: Chris Sarginson (Staffordshire).

Attendance: 275.

Star man: Jonny Hunt.

Verdict

Chester wanted a step up on their three previous outings and got one from an awkward and competitive Hednesford side.

Conceding so soon after taking the lead was a negative but there were far more positives in a game that provided decent entertainment.

So far the pre-season campaign has gone pretty much according to plan for Steve Burr and Jon McCarthy, and there are signs the squad are beginning to hit on a promising blend.

Stalybridge Celtic should offer up an ever stiffer test on Saturday and that will be exactly what the management team wants as the new season draws nearer.