FC Halifax Town: Youngsters fall to defeat in cup final

Chester won their league this season by 10 points, and proved too strong for Town’s youngsters, who can still count reaching the final as a creditable achievement.

Chester took the lead through Lloyd Marsh-Hughes after 15 minutes when he turned inside the box and produced a well-placed shot past Town keeper Jack Atkinson.

Atkinson was forced into a superb save before that goal to keep out a Chester header, while he also saved a free-kick from Chester soon after Town fell behind.

Chester were awarded a penalty when Marsh-Hughes was fouled in the area just before the hour-mark, and Cain Noble doubled their lead.

Town thought they had reduced their deficit when a header was forced over the line, but the referee blew for a foul.

Chester sealed their win in the 90th minute when Iwan Murray fired shot into the right-hand corner after Marsh-Hughes’ cut-back.

Town team: 1. Jack Atkinson, 2. Jay Benn, 3. George Glover, 4. Jack Knight, 5. Sam Clayton, 6. Alex Moloney (c), 7. Kelan Swales, 8. Liam Healey, 9. James Sunderland, 10. Marko Basic, 11. Ousman Cham.

Subs: 12. Carl Rushworth, 14, Tosin Abioyo, 15. Niall O’Reagan, 16. Mark Adiele, 17. Eliel Anku.

Attendance: 415