Written by Joe Freeman

After their recent unexpected defeat at Wharfedale, Hoppers would have wanted to make amends on Saturday at home to Chester. However, it wasn't to be. These visitors are always tough opposition, home and away, and on their return to National League Two North from a level transfer, their wish to prove a point must have been strong. A tough and durable team arrived at Lightfoot Green Lane, with second row seemingly around 6 feet 8 inches tall. The hosts commenced the game with their usual stout defence, but Chester set the scoreboard in motion at thirteen minutes with a five pointer by winger Callaghan. Rogers missed the conversion. Hoppers came into the game with a kick to the corner, and Harry Holden was shunted over the try line, Sam Freeman's kick adding the extra two points for Preston to be ahead by 7-5 on twenty minutes. Rogers of Chester converted his own try ten minutes later to give his team the lead. Matt Sturgess and Holden scored another try each, the former converted by Freeman. This made the half time position 19-12 to Hoppers.
Preston would have been happy with this situation during the interval, especially into the restart, as Freeman converted his own effort after ten minutes more. Subsequently, there was a clear change of momentum when the pendulum swung out of favour of Head Coach Dan Orwin's side.
The Cheshire outfit began to dominate their visibly tiring hosts to rack up three crossings of the home trying line, two of these converted well by Bagshaw.
Hoppers fought long and hard, occasionally dominating the game, but ultimately, Chester proved to be too strong.
On balance, two bonus points to Preston were the fairest conclusion.