CHESTER’S pre-season preparations got under way in low-key fashion as they played out a goalless draw at The Globe.
Blues boss Neil Young fielded almost entirely different sides in each half, with Levi Mackin the only player to emerge after the break.
The first-half team contained two trialists, right-back Cliff Moyo and striker Stephen Connor.
Moyo, who played for Barrow last season, was the more involved of the two as former Everton youngster Connor struggled to get any change out of the Buckley centre-backs.
It was the hosts who had the best chance of the opening period when Cliff Barrow latched on to a poor Michael Taylor back pass and saw his shot saved by John Danby.
The rusty visitors gave the ball away far too easily in the early stages but, with Marc Williams doing his best to link up the play, they did get stronger as the half wore on.
Wes Baynes fired a well-struck 25-volley just over the bar before he stung the hands of Buckley goalkeeper Leon Bimpson from closer in.
Young, who had a full squad to choose from other than the ill Ashley Williams and unavailable Iain Howard, rang the changes at the interval.
He introduced all seven of his summer signings and gave a chance for on-trial full-backs Tom Smith and Danny Ting, who were previously on the books of Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra respectively, to impress.
Chester started the second half at a greater pace and Mackin saw a fierce 25-yard drive clip the crossbar.
But Young’s side, for whom Paul Linwood stood out, nearly lost the game after they were caught on the break, with substitute Andy Moran's weak finish deflecting just past the post.
Chester first half team: Danby, Moyo, Horan, Taylor, McGinn, Baynes, Powell, Mackin, Booth, Connor, M Williams.
Chester second half team: Fearon, Smith, Linwood, Collins, Ting, Hankin, Mackin (Powell 65), Sarcevic, Clancy, Jarman, Proudlock.
