CHESTER are out of the FA Cup after they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to National League North rivals Altrincham at Moss Lane.

An early header from James Jones proved decisive in the replayed tie as Alty advanced to face Halesowen Town in the third qualifying round.

There was little to separate the sides in their initial 1-1 draw in this second qualifying round tie, and so it proved again here.

The game was just two minutes old when Welshman Jones headed past Russ Griffiths from Ashley Hemmings’ corner.

George Waring came closest to a first-half equaliser when his low shot whistled inches wide of the post on 18 minutes.

Early in the second half, Waring headed home from Glendon’s clip into the box only to see the goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Matty Waters produced a fine goalline clearance to deny Alty striker Jordan Hulme on the hour mark, with Josh Hancock spurning a fine chance to kill the tie for the hosts when he sidefooted wide from close range on 76 minutes.

The Blues were unable to conjure a leveller in the closing stages, with the club’s National League North promotion push now their sole focus.