CHESTER-LE-STREET were beaten 2-1 at home by Walker Central on Saturday in a game important to both sides' Championship hopes.

In a game that didn't really live up to expectations, Chester went ahead in the 5th minute when Captain Karl Haggon powered a header in to the top corner after a good delivery from Jonathan Taylor. On 15 minutes, Andrew Murray, who was playing out of position up front in an injury ravaged Chester side, hit the post with a fine effort.

Chester started the game well but Walker came back in to the match with a strange goal in the 29th minute. Striker Kevin Chilvers steered his shot towards goal without power from 25 yards, but goalkeeper Shaun Beckwith was completely unsighted as the ball nestled in the corner of the net. Two minutes later, poor defensive covering from the home side enabled Paul Mills to move into the box unmarked to power home the winner with a fine header.

After the break Chester improved and were the better side but couldn't force the breakthrough. A fine flowing move involving Karl Haggon set up Paul McDonald but Lee Baldwin in the visitors goal pulled off an excellent save. McDonald had another chance but just shot over the bar. With the home side pressing for an equaliser their afternoon was summed up when they had a blatant penalty appeal turned down.

Juniors Manager Andrew Muxworthy said: "Credit to Walker for their performance. They are the best side we have played outside of the FA Youth Cup this season."

On a positive note the Juniors gave debuts to two 16-year-olds: Carl Jones and Paul Henderson, who both played extremely well.

The 2-1 defeat puts a dent in Chesters championship hopes as they have dropped seven points compared to Walker's five and Redheugh's three. The only consolation is that Redheugh have still to come to Moor Park on March 22 and both Redheugh and Walker have to play each other twice in the League.

Chester: Beckwith, Jones, R. Draper, Haggon, Lowther, G. Draper, Taylor, Smith, Henderson, (sub Rome 73), McDonald, Murray (sub Watson 60). Subs not used: Liddle, Flynn.

Walker: Baldwin, Scopas, Monaghan, Flynn, Starforth, Chilvers, Chaffey, Richards, Scott, Mills, Bainbridge. Subs Gorman, Donaghy, Kershaw.

Referee: Brian Reilly (Consett)

l The Juniors have this week completed the signing of former Hartlepool and Newcastle United keeper David Hartley