Match Report

Chester City edged closer to the Football League trap-door as Bournemouth eased their own relegation fears with a victory at the Deva Stadium.

The opener came as early as the third minute in slightly fortunate circumstances.

There looked to be little danger when Bournemouth were awarded a free kick mid-way inside the Chester half, but Brett Pitman's inswinging attempt to find a team-mate avoided everyone, including keeper Jamie Spencer, and ended up in the back of the net.

Chester's response to the goal was good, and on six minutes Ryan Lowe had a good opportunity, but the ball would not come down in time, and he ended up hooking it onto the top of the net from ten yards out.

Bournemouth were not without chances to increase their lead either. Pitman saw a goalbound effort blocked by a superb challenge from Kevin Roberts and then Mark Molesley forced keeper Spencer to make a save with a 20th-minute effort.

Rhoys Wiggins had a good opportunity in first-half stoppage time, when a lucky ricochet ran his way, but he got his left-footed effort horribly wrong as it ran out for a throw-in.

A good turn and shot from Laurence Wilson saw him shoot just over the bar early in the second period as Chester looked for a leveller. And Roberts was within inches of getting on the end of a corner when a connection of any kind would have brought a likely goal.

On 62 minutes Molesley had an opportunity to kill the game off, but his side-footed effort lacked power and was easily saved by Spencer.

Two minutes later Molesley did brilliantly to create a chance of his own, lofting the ball over the head of the defender, before seeing his powerful strike well beaten away by the Chester keeper.

The game was finally made safe on 79 minutes as Anton Robinson followed up to poke home from close range after Spencer had saved sub Liam Feeney's initial effort.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides