ALTRINCHAM 3, CHESTER FC 2
An investment of £50,000 paid off for Altrincham as they moved into the semi-finals of the National League North play-offs.
The Robins remain on track for a return to the National League after a four-year absence after their nervy victory against 10-man Chester FC.
The costs of resuming the season have been considerable for all non-league clubs, but the lure of promotion proved too tempting.
The Robins, who finished the aborted league campaign fifth, relatively easily overcame Chester, who were seventh, in an all-Cheshire clash.
Altrincham, ahead 1-0 at half time through a low drive from Josh Hancock, capitalised when Chester had Scott Burton sent off for bringing down Daniel Mooney who was clean through.
Former Macclesfield Town player Elliott Durrell scored from the spot and before the hour struck again following a class counter attack to make it 3-0.
But the 10 men produced a valiant fightback – you would expect nothing less from a team managed by former Salford City pair Bernard Johnson and Anthony Johnson – as it proved with Altrincham left clinging on for a slender victory.
A defensive lapse let in former Manchester City starlet George Glendon who slotted in Chester’s opener midway through the half.
Then the deficit was reduced to 3-2 with 11 minutes left when substitute Matty Hughes headed in a left-wing cross at the far post.
The momentum had well and truly shifted in Chester’s favour as they pressed for an equaliser.
And there was further drama in the seven minutes of stoppage time when Chester had a penalty appeal waved away and Johnson was dismissed from the technical area for kicking a drinks bottle on to the pitch in frustration.