Stockton Town exit the Emirates FA Cup after a slender defeat at National League North outlet Chester.
Michael Dunwell named two changes to the starting squad that forced the replay on Saturday, bringing Mikey Roberts in for the unavailable Stephen Thompson and Adam Nicholson back in defence following the end of his suspension.
Three minutes into the game, Connell Rawlinson, Chester’s late hero on Saturday, was dismissed after bringing down Mikey Roberts who was unleashed towards goal after a mistake from the defender.
The Anchors quickly used this to their advantage, finding space down the wings, and came very close to an opener when Josh Baggs played Owen Gallacher though on goal, the winger tried to dunk his effort over the goalkeeper but was met by a fantastic save.
Declan Weeks had a good chance for the hosts moments later after being picked out in plenty of space on the edge of the area, but he fired high into the stands under little pressure.
Stockton very nearly found a lead in emphatic fashion again when Mikey Roberts met a corner with a bicycle kick, but his powerful connection was met by a headed block as it made its way towards goal.
Half-time: Chester 0-0 Stockton Town
13 minutes after the restart, Stockton had another good opportunity to take the lead when Mikey Roberts was unleashed towards goal at a tight angle, and his cutback was very well dealt with by a trailing Chester defender before Cameron Painter could tap in.
In the 65th minute, Chester very nearly opened the scoring when Kurt Willoughby found a way through the defence and made his way towards goal, he picked his spot but fired a strike against the woodwork.
Seven minutes later, the hosts did find the lead when a corner from the left was headed home by Harrison Burke.
Stockton pushed for an equaliser for the remainder of the game, but the ten-men of Chester held firm to progress to the next round.
Full-time: Chester 1-0 Stockton Town
Stockton now turn their attention to another cup competition on Saturday, as a visit to Blyth Spartans awaits in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
Chester: Harrison, Hunter, Weeks, Rawlinson, Peers (Roberts 22’), Glendon, Willoughby (Hancox 85’), Caton (Turner 67’), Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Burke
Unused Subs: Brown, Murray, Rosenblatt
Stockton Town: Harker, King, Baggs, Painter, Nicholson, Coulthard, Roberts (Beddow 72’), Leech (Purewal 82’), Fowler (Spears 88’), Butterworth, Gallacher
Unused Subs: Johnson, Birtles
Goals: Burke, 1-0, 72 min.
Attendance: 1,397
Words: Jordan Clarke
Photo: Harry Cook
