THE MATCH

Chester FC under-18s are into the second round of the FA Youth Cup after beating Football League side Fleetwood Town 1-0 at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.

In front of a superb crowd of 413 a stunning Nathan Brown free kick on 66 minutes proved decisive as the Blues claimed a deserved success that showcased yet again the talent coming through the system.

Calum McIntyre's side had the better of the first half and went closest when Ilan Ap-Gareth struck a post with a firm volley from the edge of the area.

But neither side could find a breakthrough in an open and entertaining first half but the Blues proved more than a match for their Football League visitors.

Chester started the second half in a positive fashion and their pressure told on 66 minutes when Brown was brought crashing to the ground on the edge of the area following a jinking run.

The same player dusted himself down to dispatch the 18-yard free kick into the top left of Billy Crellin's goal to spark jubilant scenes on the Chester bench.

Chester continued to look the better side and limited their visitors to little in the final third, although Lewis Baines should have done better when he headed over from six yards.

Fleetwood poured forward late on but couldn't find a way through and Chester held on to book their place in the second round for the first time on a memorable night for the youngsters.

ANALYSIS

This was full deserved. Anyone arriving at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium tonight who was unsure who the Football League academy side were would be forgiven for thinking it was Chester.

McIntyre's side never gave their opponents a minute and showed plenty of flashes of quality to suggest that all is rosy in the youth set up at present.

Strong at the back and menacing going forward, Brown's free-kick was the perfect way to settle the contest and book Chester's place in round two.

STAR MAN

James Jones : One of the more senior players in th squad, Jones bossed the back line and ensured that the defence was miserly. Tall, strong and comfortable on the ball, he looks a real prospect.

MATCH FILE

Chester: Hodges, Thomson, Downes, Cottrell (Crayston 64), E Jones, J Jones, Edwards, Crawford, Rowbottom, Brown, Ap-Gareth. Subs: Hardman, Carr, Hewitt, Dobson.

Bookings: Crawford.

Goals: Brown 66

Fleetwood: Crellin, Kerrigan, Abubakar, Shorrock (Unsworth 86), Holgate, Baines, Collings, Dodd (Bishop 76), Finlayson (46), Gardner, Mooney. Subs: Turner.

Bookings: Shorrock

Goals:

Attendance: 413