Worksop Town start 2026 with a win
Aaron Martin’s goal was enough for Worksop Town to earn an impressive 1-0 victory against Chester FC at the Deva Stadium.
Martin headed home the winner on 33 minutes after getting on the end of Lewis Whittam's cross.
And the Tigers held firm from that point on to pick up three important points.
Worksop Tigers made a positive start, much like in the recent Buxton encounter, as Lewis Whitham delivered an inviting early cross into the box aimed at Vaughan Redford, though the midfielder was unable to generate enough height to direct a header on target.
Chester gradually found their rhythm and fashioned the first clear chance of the game when Fin Shrimpton drifted into the area and struck a low effort that was comfortably gathered by Lewis Forshaw.
The Blues enjoyed a golden opportunity moments later following a goalmouth scramble. Dylan Mottley-Henry’s initial effort was well saved by Forshaw, Jack Bainbridge’s rebound was scooped onto the bar, and Mottley-Henry’s follow-up was eventually cleared off the line.
Worksop capitalised on their pressure in the 33rd minute. Whitham nicked possession from Nathan Woodthorpe and whipped a cross into the near post, where Martin glanced a superb header beyond the reach of George Murray-Jones.
Forshaw continued to impress, denying Pat Jones with a fine fingertip save before the break and producing another strong stop early in the second half from Bainbridge at close range. Martin struck the post again from a Joe Leesley corner, narrowly missing a second goal.
Chester pushed for an equaliser but struggled to break down a resolute Tigers defence. Substitute Tom Peers went closest late on, dragging a shot wide after clever work in the box.
Despite late set-piece pressure from Chester, Worksop held firm to secure all three points. It was a winning start to the year.