THE MATCH
Chester FC made it nine unbeaten in the National League as they battled their way to a 0-0 draw at Macclesfield Town.
Another defensive shutout made sure the Blues, roared on by another superb away following, returned home with a share of the spoils from a frenetic game that saw chances for both sides.
Jon McCarthy made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 at York City on Saturday with Alex Lynch replacing the injured Liam Roberts and Tom Shaw coming in for Luke George.
The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Macclesfield defender George Pilkington's snapshot from a Jack Mackreth corner hit the far post of Alex Lynch's goal and out to safety on 14 minutes.
Chester's best chance of the half came when Elliott Durrell released Jordan Chapell on the right with the winger firing an 18-yard effort that home keeper Craig Ross had to gather at the second attempt.
The Blues had some more bright moment in a frenetic first half but Danny Whitaker came close to breaking the deadlock when he was afforded too much room 25 yards out and hit a low effort inches wide of Lynch's goal.
Durrell had a good effort well saved early in the second when he, James Alabi and Theo Vassell linked up well before Durrell saw his low 18-yarder saved well by Ross.
Vassell was forced off on 62 minutes with an injury which provided Ross Killock with the chance to play his first senior game for the Blues since rejoining in the summer after an injury-ravaged four months.
But his nigth would last just 10 minutes after he fell awkwardly when challenging for a ball and limped off, the agony clear on his face.
Macclesfield threw everything forward late on and substitute Danny Rowe saw his 25-yard effort cannon off the post on 86 minutes while the same player hit the woodwork two minutes later from a similar distance as the Chester goal lived a charmed life.
But Chester held on and could even have nicked it late on when Chapell went close, but a point gained at Moss Rose is nothing to be sniffed at and it was a good night's work for Chester.
ANALYSIS
What a run this is. A point at a Macclesfield side who have been going great guns this season is no mean feat and Chester showed that they are capable of mixing it with the play-off chasers.
There were chances for both sides and the Blues can consider themselves a little fortunate to emerge with a share of the spoils after the home side hit the woodwork three times. But hold on they did and the run continues for McCarthy's men who have continued to defy the odds.
Roll on Lincoln City.
STAR MAN
Ryan Astles: A towering performance from the big defender who won everything in the air and produced some superb last-ditch defending to ensure parity come the final whistle.
MATCH FACTS
Macclesfield Town: Ross, Halls, Fitzpatrick, Pilkington, McCombe, Mackreth (Rowe 78), Holroyd, Sampson, James, Hancox, Whitaker. Subs: Branagan, Byrne, Roberts, Madeley.
Bookings: Sampson, Rowe, Halls
Goals:
Chester FC: Lynch, Astles, Hughes, Hunt, Vassell (Killock 62, Hudson 72), Mahon, Chapell, Durrell, Shaw, Lloyd, Alabi (Akintunde 69). Subs: Joyce, Waters.
Bookings: Hughes, Lloyd
Goals:
Attendance: 1,922 (530 from Chester)
Referee: Martin Coy (Durham)
