Chester’s Harrison Burke proved an unlikely hero as he headed home late on to deny Warrington Town all three points in a fierce derby.
Connor Woods had given Warrington the lead in the 73rd minute, converting from the penalty spot.
But Town striker Josh Amis was sent off in the 78th minute, giving Chester a glimmer of hope.
And they turned that hope into a point when Burke jumped highest and used his head to turn home a free-kick in the 85th minute.
Points shared means both sides stay seventh and 18th respectively in the National League North, however, Warrington move to three points above the relegation zone.
An engaging first half saw both sides come out the blocks with intent. As the half wore on there were chances at either end but neither side could capitalise.
Chester came closest to scoring when defender Burke rose highest to get on the end of Declan Weeks’ free-kick in the 15th minute.
Burke crashed his header against the crossbar, leaving Warrington scrambling to get the ball clear.
Town set up to be tight at the back and maintain their shape, this approach only made possible by the strong performances of experienced players Peter Clarke and recent signing Jack McCourt.
pic by Harley Sheldon
As the darkness rolled in, the first 20 minutes of the second half were largely the same with Chester applying more pressure but lacking cutting edge.
The home side proved a threat on the counter.
The Yellows’ striker Woods carried Warrington on his back, working tirelessly leading the line, despite the lack of service.
Woods put an excellent shift in and converted from the spot, slotting it to the keeper’s left and sending him the wrong way.
The spot kick was awarded after teammate Elliot Morris was brought down inside the box in the 72nd minute.
Warrington looked to have stolen a winner five minutes later when substitute striker Josh Amis was sent off after only 12 minutes of being on the pitch. Amis got into an altercation with a Chester player which led to his dismissal.
Down to 10 men Warrington had to dig even deeper to see out the game, the red card offered the opportunity Chester needed and they pressed on earning a late equaliser.
In the 85th minute Weeks once again delivered a free kick into the box and this time defender Burke made no mistake crashing it home past Daniel Atherton in the home goal.
Both sides gave it their all in the last five minutes to win the match but the theme of the game was neither side had enough to win it.
In a feisty affair with strong challenges, a packed-out Cal.Delivery Stadium enjoyed the tense atmosphere.
Warrington will be the happier of the two sides going toe-to-toe with play-off contenders and securing a point at home.
