THE Blues were left to reflect on a string of missed first-half chances as they tumbled to defeat at the Airfield.

Neil Young’s side carved out numerous openings but were denied by some spirited last-ditch defending and the fine form of home keeper Ben Chapman, who had an excellent game before being substituted to warm applause from both sets of supporters late on.

At the other end, Airbus netted two first half goals – including a disputed penalty – and wrapped up a deserved win with a late strike by Jack Lewis.

Chester went into the match with several players ruled out with knocks and strains.

Their makeshift defence looked creaky at times and the Wingmakers, who have had an excellent pre-season campaign so far, cashed in.

There were chances at both ends during an open, entertaining first 45 minutes.

Dave Hankin was denied by a goal-line block by Airbus defender Lewis on 22 minutes, then home keeper Chapman was called upon to thwart Iain Howard with a save with his legs.

The Wingmakers went 1-0 up via their first meaningful attack of the game. The lively Mike Hayes escaped down the right wing and rolled a pass across the area to Steve Connor, the former Chester trialist, who had the simple task of slotting past John Danby.

As the half drew to a close, Chester began to batter the Airbus goal but on every occasion they were kept out by last-ditch blocks, goal-line clearances or saves by Chapman.

George Horan, Michal Powell (twice) and Nathan Jarman were all left wondering how they hadn’t drawn their side level.

There was one final twist to come in the first half as Airbus were presented with a hotly disputed penalty kick two minutes into stoppage time. It all came about after Hayes had a shot saved and then slid in to challenge Danby for the loose ball. To everyone’s surprise, referee Nick Pratt pointed to the spot – presumably for a foul by Danby on Hayes – and Mark Cadwallader stepped up to make it 2-0 against his former club.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Chester had their chances to get on the scoresheet – notably through sub Adam Proudlock – but Airbus looked dangerous on the break.

Levi Mackin, playing at centre-back, nipped in to deny Airbus full-back Lewis a certain goal after he had rounded Danby on 74 minutes. Then Hayes was denied what looked to be a certain penalty after a foul by Powell which went unpunished.

With 10 minutes to go, Airbus added their third goal of the evening when Lewis netted from close range.

Airbus: Chapman, Owens, Lewis, Roddy, Armstrong, Moses, Field, Cadwallader, Budrys, Hayes, Connor. Subs: Edwards, Rule, McCartney, Hart, Jones.

Chester: Danby (Fearon 53), Baynes, Clancy, Mackin, Horan (Breeze 53), A Williams (Sarcevic 58), Hankin, Powell, Jarman, M Williams (Proudlock 53), Howard (Pleavin 80).