THE MATCH

Chester FC extended their unbeaten run in the National League to eight games but left it late to do so.

Substitute Kane Richards rose highest in the first minute of added time to head home the leveller for the Blues when it had looked as if the victory would be claimed by the home side.

It was no less than Chester deserved as they peppered the York goal for the final 15 minutes of the game and they can even count themselves unlucky not to have won the game.

Both managers were afforded a warm welcome onto the pitch prior to kick off with Gary Mills returning to the club he guided to the Football League in 2012 while Blues boss Jon McCarthy headed back to the club where he enjoyed much success in the early 1990s.

York were the brighter of the two sides in the opening half and won the midfield battle and continually looked to hit Chester on the break with Daniel Nti and Callum Rzonca both going close.

But while Chester were sluggish at times they did create the best chances of the first half with Ryan Lloyd and James Alabi both shooting over when well placed while Craig Mahon rifled a 25-yard effort straight at Kyle Letheren.

The Blues were brighter after the break with Elliott Durrell and Alabi both going close to opening the scoring but Chester found themselves behind on 70 minutes.

A York corner was met by Fry's towering header which crept just under Liam Roberts despite Hut's best efforts to hack it off the line in time.

After that the York goal lead a charmed life and Letheren saved from Alabi close range before substitute Richards crashed an effort off the post from five yards.

But the biggest sickener came with five minutes left when referee Simon Barrow waved away what looked to be a blatant foul on Ryan Lloyd when through on goal.

With time ticking away it looked as if the unbeaten run was coming to an end before Lloyd crossed for Richards who rose well to glance a header beyond Letheren and spark wild scenes in the away end.

ANALYSIS

It seemed like it was just going to be one of those days.

Chester had enough chances to win three games of football at Bootham Crescent but they had to settle for a share of the spoils against a York side spurred on by the return of former manager Mills.

The second half showed how the Blues can threaten going foward and Mahon was exceptional, although the lack of a cutting edge in front of goal was concerning.

But the run continues and the Blues head into Macclesfield on Tuesday night in a strong position.

STAR MAN

Craig Mahon: Another excellent display from Mahon. He provided the energy and attacking intent at moments when Chester needed it most and never stopped working.

MATCH FILE

York City: Letheren, Whittle, Kamdjo, Higgins, Fry, Nti, Heslop, Fenwick (Brodie 70), Clarke (Galbraith 63), Rzonca (Klukowski 77), Oyebanjo. Subs: Flinders, Clappison.

Bookings: Nti, Heslop, Galbraith, Brodie

Goals: Fry 70

Chester FC: Roberts, Vassell, Hunt, Astles, Hughes, George, Lloyd, Durrell, Chapell (Richards 66), Mahon, Alabi. Subs: Lynch, Killock, Joyce, Hudson.

Bookings: Vassell

Goals: Richards 90+1

Referee: Simon Barrow

Attendance: 2,639 (569 from Chester)