 Lynch was an apprentice with Everton before being released in March 2004.He moved to Chester City, where he was awarded his first-team debut as a late substitute for Michael Branch against Halifax Town in the FA Cup second round on 4 December 2004.The following month saw Lynch's solitary Football League outing arrive when he replaced fellow youngster Michael Walsh in the closing stages of a 3–0 loss at Swansea City.