Chester FC 1 Braintree Town 0: Match in a minute

The Match

Chester FC are celebrating two wins in a week after a solitary Sam Hughes goal gave them a 1-0 win of Braintree Town.

An energetic start saw the hosts set the tempo as they took control of possession on a bright day at the Vauxhall Lookers Stadium.

Braintree winger Simeon Akinola briefly broke the shackles as he curled a left-foot shot against the post, but that was as close as the visitors got.

Jon McCarthy's men put the pressure on at the other end as they forced four corners in a row in the 16th minute. The last one paid off as Elliott Durrell's deep ball was hooked back for an easy tap in for Hughes.

After the break Hughes headed against the post from yet another corner and James Alabi had a number of chances to make the match secure once he was introduced.

While the second half was an edgy one, an onslaught from the away side never materialised with Liam Roberts barely having to make a save. Brandon Goodship firing over with the visitors' best chance.

A huge roar greeted the final whistle as Chester fans as the Blues held on to secure an important three points.

Kane Richards shoots on goal during Chester FC's 1-0 win over Braintree Town (Image: Terry Marland)

Analysis

A great week for Chester as they secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Manager Jon McCarthy was rewarded for keeping the faith after making just one change from the win over Guiseley in midweek.

They dominated the first half and perhaps should have been ahead by more at the break. Another goal would have certainly eased some nerves as the second wore on.

Oluwaseun Akintunde and Kane Richards look like a pacy and potent strike partnership with the speed to trouble a lot of defences at this level.

In the end though it was a set piece goal which proved to be decisive and there was much to be admired in the team's commitment to preserving a clean sheet.

The three points take them up to 15th in the National League table. Eyes turn to the derby next weekend with the team in great spirits.

Star Man

Ryan Astles: His partner at centre half might have scored the goal, but Astles was a towering presence at the back for the Blues.

Braintree's forwards were barely afforded a kick in the first half as the defender snuffed out their attempts to get into dangerous positions.

In the second, countless clearances and headers kept the visitors at bay and stopped them from ever getting up too much momentum towards an equaliser.