IT was a case of job done for Chester as they progressed in the FA Cup.
They had a tough afternoon away to Northern Premier West League outfit Lower Breck in the second qualifying round, but the Blues managed to triumph 2-1.
Boss Phil Parkinson told Chester FC TV: “It was a no-win day for us. Whatever happens, we have to win.
“If we win, we’re expected to win. If we lose, we’re the worst thing in the world.
“So, we just had to get through this game and we did.”
There were few opportunities in the initial stages, with both sides working their way into the tie.
Late in the opening period, Chester did have the lead. Ruben Butt’s initial effort was saved by Lower Breck keeper Joseph Bickerstaff, but Butt was able to score from the rebound.
Parkinson added: “I thought we were just probably a little bit cautious, seeing how they were going to set up and come at us.
“They played a full back higher up, obviously to stagnate Sam Reed. Well played from them, good tactical awareness on their part.
“Sam was just low on energy today, so we had to sub him off. I thought Isaac (Burgess) did brilliant when he came on, gave us a different dimension.
“So, again, another of our young players coming on, making a big impact.
“But, yeah, the first half, I felt we were feeling each other out. But, I still felt as the half progressed, that’s when we started coming into our own, particularly in the attacking third.”
Dan Ward went close to extending Chester’s advantage when the second half got underway, with his effort being brilliantly tipped over the crossbar.
It was by no means game over and Lower Breck hauled themselves level in the closing 20 minutes with a goal from William Edmondson.
A replay looked to be the likely outcome, only for Chester to seal their victory with three minutes left to play.
It was Butt who came up with his second goal of the afternoon from Nathan Woodthorpe’s dangerous cross.
Macclesfield, who made the biggest FA Cup headlines last season by knocking out Crystal Palace, kicked off with a 2-1 win at Redcar Athletic.
Managed by ex-Wrexham and Chester forward John Rooney, one of Macc’s goals came from ex-Blues striker Danny Elliott
Ex-Chester and Wrexham links teamed up to seal Bury’s 5-1 win over Workington.
Bury are managed by former Chester boss Anthony Johnson while ex-Wrexham youngster Kai Evans was again among the goals.
Dunston, who ended Vauxhall Motors’ run in the competition, were beaten 2-0 by Scarborough while Northern Premier League West side Prescot Cables also lost out 2-0 at Atherton Collieries.
Kevin Wilkin’s AFC Telford face a midweek replay at Worksop Town after their tie ended 2-2.
The former Wrexham boss was grateful for another ex-Red, Louis Moult, in scoring one of his side’s goals.
Two ex-Wrexham players, who are now non-league managers, did make it through to tomorrow’s draw,
Bobby Grant’s Marine edged out Radcliffe 3-2 while Andy Preece’s Chorley won 1-0 at Warrington Rylands.
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