Chester are through to the semi-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup after a 1-0 home victory over Stockport Town.

Danny Elliott's strike early in the second half proved decisive and ensured the Blues' progress in the competition.

The hosts fielded a strong side for the second round clash, with the likes of Russ Griffiths, Joel Taylor, Scott Burton, George Glendon, Elton Ngwatala and Elliott named in the starting XI alongside five academy players.

Played in front of a crowd of 321, the hosts were repelled by their North West Counties League opponents in a goalless first half.

An early chance saw Burton drive forward and find the on-running Taylor whose low cross was turned wide by Ngwatala.

Good build-up play on the left yielded another opening for Chester, with the ball worked to Glendon who fired over.

Shortly before the interval, Ngwatala's well-hit strike from distance drew a smart save from Town keeper Josh Ollerenshaw.

The breakthrough arrived 10 minutes into the second half when Elliott cut inside and fired a deflected effort past Ollerenshaw and high into the net.

Stockport pushed for a leveller in the contest and Chester were indebted to goalkeeper Griffiths on 72 minutes when he thwarted substitute Rourke O'Neal in a one-on-one situation.

Fellow sub Alexander King then spurned a decent opening when he headed wide from close range.

The visitors went even closer soon after when Rourke struck the crossbar while stretching to convert from 10 yards out.

Cain Noble almost netted Chester's second in the final minute, firing wide from close range after Jake Hampson's long throw was flicked to the back post.

But one goal proved enough for the Blues who will play their last-four tie in March.