CHESTER CITY earned a well-deserved Coca-Cola League Two point against an impressive Hereford United side at a wind-swept Deva Stadium last night.
City took the lead midway through the second period with an excellent goal from striker Simon Yeo, only to be pulled back by a late equaliser from Alan Connell.
Both sides had trouble coping with the gale force conditions and both are to be congratulated for turning in good performances in atrocious conditions.
The visitors had the first opportunity of the game, when Jon Danby was up well to push a 20-yard effort from Travis over the bar for a corner.
Former City keeper Wayne Brown was then called into action to save a low 20-yard effort from Sean Hessey.
A mistake by Jamie Hand let Ben Smith in just before half-time, but Phil Bolland did extremely well to move smartly and clear the danger.
At the start of the second period Hereford had two chances in quick succession, Williams shot over from 20 yards, and Danby made a good save to deny Thomas.
Ben Smith was unlucky when a rasping shot from 20 yards rattled the City bar, the ball fell to Williams who with the goal at his mercy conspired to shoot wide from six yards.
Danby then made an excellent save, pushing a 20-yard free-kick from Connell around the post for a corner. Chester took the lead after 71 minutes, when Yeo latched on to a defence-splitting ball from Everton loanee Alan Kearney.
The Irish youngster glided past his marker before threading the ball through to the ex-Lincoln City striker who raced forward and drilled it home from 15 yards.
The equaliser came eight minutes from time, a mistake by Hand on the edge of the area saw the ball worked out to Travis who crossed into the middle where Connell scored with an acrobatic overhead kick from close range.
Substitute Chris Holroyd nearly registered a winner for City in added time, but Brown did well to save at the youngster’s feet.
Following the match Chester manager Mark Wright reflected: “I thought a draw was a fair result. The conditions didn’t help either side, but it was a pleasure to see Simon Yeo scoring such a good goal.
“Simon is a predatory striker and when he gets into that sort of position you know there’s only going to be one winner.”
CHESTER CITY: Danby, Sandwith, Bolland, Hessey, Meechan (Wilson 56), Linwood, Artell, Hand, Kearney, Yeo, Steele (Holroyd 67). Subs: Allen, Bennett, J Vaughan.
HEREFORD UNITED: Brown, Thomas, Mkandawire, Purdie, Connell, Williams, Travis, Guinan, Smith, Beckwith (Rose 89), Jennings. Subs: Thompson, Sills, Ferrell, Jeannin.
REFEREE: Mr Lee Probert (Gloucestershire).
ATT: 1,842.
