Recap: Harriers 1-1 Chester

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HARRIERS were held to a 1-1 draw by Chester at Aggborough on Saturday.

A cautious opening half hour saw both sides probe without carving out clear chances. The first notable moment arrived on 29 minutes when Chester fired an effort across goal that Christian Dibble did well to turn aside, showing good concentration to keep it out.

From the resulting corner Harriers broke quickly, Joe Foulkes releasing Seb Thompson who cut inside before sending his effort over the target.

Chester threatened again on 34 minutes when Harriers lost possession in a dangerous area and the visitors surged forward looking certain to score. Dibble produced an outstanding block at close range to deny Fin Roberts and keep the scores level.

Harriers ended the half strongly. Deep into stoppage time, Foulkes delivered the best cross of the opening period and Ryley Reynolds arrived at the near post, his glancing header drifting just wide of the far post.

The second half began with Harriers immediately on the front foot. Within a minute Reece Devine intercepted a short back pass and struck for goal from an angle, but Bobby Jones was equal to it with a smart save.

Chester responded shortly after when Declan Weeks struck at goal as the ball dropped kindly in the area, though the angle was tight and the effort drifted wide.

On 54 minutes Scott Burgess turned sharply and tried his luck from around 20 yards. The strike looked threatening but Dibble reacted well to push it away.

The game opened up briefly as both sides looked for the breakthrough. Lewis Leigh cut inside and fired low but Dibble gathered comfortably, before Thompson tested Jones moments later with a strike the Chester goalkeeper held well.

The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour and it was a moment of real quality. With seemingly nothing on, Charlie Cooper stepped forward and unleashed a spectacular long range effort that arrowed into the top corner beyond Jones, giving Harriers a deserved lead.

Harriers continued to press for a second. On 67 minutes Kieren Donnelly surged forward and drove into the box before flashing a dangerous ball across goal that was blocked behind.

Thompson then tried his luck from distance on 74 minutes, his swerving effort forcing Jones to beat the ball away.

The momentum seemed to be only with Harriers at that point, but the Reds were hit with a real punch when Chester found a leveller soon after with one of their few second half openings in 75 minutes. Fin Shrimpton collected the ball inside the area and rolled a composed finish beyond Dibble to make it 1-1.

Harriers continued to search for a winner in the closing stages, with Kam Kandola and Amari Morgan-Smith introduced from the bench on 80 minutes, but the visitors held firm and managed the game and the officials well as the points were shared.

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