Danny Johnson’s hat-trick, as well as Glen Taylor’s first half strike on his 450th appearance proved the difference and marked Peter Hartley’s first game in charge with a dominant victory in the FA Cup.

A hat trick from Danny Johnson and a Glen Taylor strike put Moors four in front, before Billy Waters scored a consolation goal for the visitors early in the second half.

The first chance of the game came the way of Moors just five minutes in. Cam Salkeld found Taylor from the left, but his strike went wide of the right post.

Chester had a huge chance to take the lead on 15 minutes as the ball fell to Tom Peers in the box but saw his strike well stopped by Matt Urwin.

Moors nearly opened the scoring soon after, as a well worked corner routine eventually found Danny Johnson in the box. His shot, however, was saved by Luke Hewitson.

Moors broke the deadlock on 25 minutes for Moors as Taylor played a perfectly timed pass through for Johnson who calmly slotted it past the Chester ‘keeper.

Peter Hartley’s side added a second goal just two minutes later as Jack Jenkins drove down the right before pulling it back to Taylor. He struck a low effort and found the bottom left corner to score on his 450th Moors appearance.

Moors made it three 35 minutes in as Glen Taylor’s initial strike was kept out but fell to the feet of Johnson who fired home into the roof of the net.

Chester nearly pulled a goal back on just five minutes later through Ruben Butt. His long range strike, though, was well stopped by Urwin.

A fourth goal for Moors on 55 minutes as Jenkins played a perfect pass into the path of Johnson tucked home with a calm finish into the bottom right corner to round off his hat-trick.

The visitors pulled a goal back just two minutes later however, as Billy Waters got on the end of a perfect cross into the box and smashed home into the roof of the net.

Chester came very close to a second goal from Billy Waters as his close range strike hit the post then his rebound was saved by Urwin.

Another brilliant save from Urwin this time to deny Isaac Burgess from close range with just ten minutes left.

The perfect start for Peter Hartley, as Moors now wait to find out their Fourth Qualifying Round opponent on Monday afternoon.

Full time: Moors 4 Chester 1

Moors: Urwin Whelan, Pollock, Jones (Beals 81), Cantrill (Holcroft 66), Jenkins, Dolan (Young 66), Ramshaw, Salkeld (Murray 81), Johnson (Marsh 75), Taylor

Subs not used: James, Palmer

Booked: Dolan 24, Jones 72

Referee: Liam Smith

Attendance: 861 (190 away)

Written by Sean Whitaker