By James Briscoe
Nantwich Town boss Danny Johnson continues to see a new-look Dabbers improve as they prepare for their final pre-season game.
Johnson’s team pushed Conference Premier neighbours Chester FC all the way in a 3-1 away defeat.
Now they travel to face GAP Connah’s Quay tomorrow (August 10) before their Evo-Stik league campaign kicks off on August 17 at home to Kings Lynn Town.
Although Nantwich trailed 3-0 at half-time, their second period display at the Deva Stadium stood out for Johnson as they pulled a goal back and looked more threatening.
“It was a great workout for the lads,” he said.
“That was Chester’s first team out there and we stood up well to them.
“I was particularly pleased with our second half performance and how we fought back.
“It was an exciting game and we showed what we could do against a team that plays two levels higher than us.”
Russ Courtney’s 70th minute strike was just reward for the Dabbers who showed endeavour after going 3-0 down.
The sides were evenly matched in the first 20 minutes, but when Neil Young’s side put their foot on the gas, the Nantwich defence struggled to cope.
Kevin McIntyre’s deep cross to the back post was slid home by Craig Lindfield, and the ex Accrington striker turned provider three minutes later for George Horan to lash home from close range.
Harry Clayton went close for Nantwich, while former Crewe Alexandra defender Andy White replaced Danny Caldecott at left back.
Gareth Seddon’s pile-driver left Chris Cheetham with no chance to make it 3-0.
But after the break, Nantwich showed slick movement and neat passing with a determined spirit and they deserved to pull a goal back.
Max Harrop won a corner on the left and when the Chester defence failed to clear their lines, Courtney was on hand to crash the ball home.
Nantwich: Chris Cheetham, Russ Courtney, Danny Caldecott (Andy White, 32), Ashley Young, Earl Davis (David Thompson 78), Sam Egerton (Niall Maguire 64), Adam Carden (Chris Amadi 82), Mark Jones (Thomas Moore 82), Aaron Burns (Peter Wright, 75), Harry Clayton, Max Harrop.
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