FC Halifax Town 0 Chester FC 1: Halifax remain pointless

Jordan Chapell’s first-half effort proved decisive, despite both sides going close on numerous occasions.

The presence of 495 away fans meant the atmosphere was bubbling at kick-off, and even more so when Jordan Burrow headed narrowly wide from Josh Macdonald’s early free-kick.

The tricky Craig Mahon found space to fire a shot just wide of the post before Macdonald and Kingsley James both saw shots comfortably saved.

Chapell struck as his low drive took a nick on its way past Matt Glennon from just outside the box.

Danny Hattersley’s celebrations were then controversially cut short by the offside flag after Burrow tried to turn in James Bolton’s low cross.

Town had a penalty appeal waved away for an alleged push on Jake Hibbs before Burrow’s close-range header was saved on the line by Jon Worsnop.

But Chester were only denied clear daylight by some outstanding goalkeeping by Glennon, who denied Ross Hannah, Chapell and Ryan Higgins in quick succession.

Halifax: Glennon, Bolton, Bencherif, Hutchison, McManus, Tuton, James, Whitehouse (Hughes 59), Hibbs, Macdonald (Hattersley 46), Burrow (Bishop 86). Subs not used: Porter, K Roberts.

Chester: Worsnop, Higgins, Sharps, George, Hunt, Heneghan, Shaw, Rooney, Chapell (Thomson 89), Mahon (Kay 86), Hannah (Peers 90). Subs not used: Forth, Tonge.