FYLDE ran out worthy winners in the battle of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League champions as Chester’s goalless start to pre-season continued.
A 74th-minute strike from Michael Barnes was all that separated the sides at a sunny Kellamergh Park but Dave Challinor’s men could and should have been in front long before then.
Featuring six of their seven summer signings, Neil Young’s Premier Division winners looked very much a team progress in a first half in which Fylde created a string of chances.
Striker James Dean – a player Blues boss Young has tried to sign in the past – went closest for the hosts, who were showing only minor changes to the side which won last season’s First Division North title.
Dean tested John Danby with an overhead kick and fired across the face of the goal before having a close-range effort ruled out for a foul on the busy Chester goalkeeper.
Danby also saved from Joe Booth and saw attempts from Harry Winter and former Blues winger Jimmy McCarthy go inches past his posts.
The new-look visitors were always competitive but their only opening of note came when Nathan Jarman shot over from 20 yards.
Young made changes in both shape and personnel at the break but it was Fylde who continued to look the more threatening after the restart.
They eventually took the lead 16 minutes from time when substitute Barnes tapped in an Adam Sumner cross to the back post.
It rounded off a good afternoon for the ambitious Lancashire club, who before the start of the match announced that their Chester-born boss Challinor has signed a new three-year contract.
Chester FC: Danby, Baynes (Collins 38) Horan (Taylor 58), Linwood (Moyo 75), McGinn, Hankin (Ting 67), Powell, Mackin (Booth 46), Clancy, Jarman, Proudlock (Sarcevic 46). Subs: Fearon, Smith.
Attendance: 489.
