Chester 3 Darlington 0

Jackson (12 mins, 1-0) Asante (57 mins 2-0), Livesey (59 mins, 3-0)

Attendance 2119

Two quickfire goals in the second half from setpieces put paid to Quakers' hopes in this 4th v 6th encounter.

Chester took an early lead, but Quakers couldn't take advantage of a good spell of possession before half time, and two goals in quick succession gave Chester control.

But nevertheless, Quakers have still lost only twice in nine matches, and are well and truly in the play off battle -- they're still sixth in the table after the day's results.

Here are the thoughts of manager Alun Armstrong:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ftWfhNXdbs

Chester had the first chance, a long throw from the left by Taylor was headed out to John Johnston on the edge of the area, and he fired wide of the right hand post.

Quakers went a goal down on 12 minutes. Quakers lost the ball on the half way line, allowing Brad Jackson to pick up, and he ran at the Darlington defence, got into the box and unleashed a right foot shot that flew past Elliott into the net.

But Quakers had a chance to level on 14 minutes when Thompson crossed deep into the box, and Donawa, coming in, sidefooted wide.

Quakers then had a good spell of pressure and forced a couple of corners without success.

However, Chester nearly got a second when Jackson broke again, but Elliott saved his diagonal low shot., then a cross from the left by Taylor was cleared as far as Stopforth whose shot deflected off Alex Storey for a corner.

Quakers withstood that pressure, and nearly levelled on 22 minutes. David Atkinson received the ball from Wheatley, and had a shot deflected wide. From the corner, the ball fell for Justin Donawa and then Adam Campbell, who in turn had low shots blocked.

Quakers though slowly got back into the game, and there were some good moments for Thompson and Donawa on the wings and for Campbell in the middle, but they couldn’t open up a well-drilled Chester defence.

Half time Chester 1 Darlington 0

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Chester went 2-0 up on 57 minutes when Taylor curled  a corner over from the right for Asante to stab in at the far post.

It was 3-0 on 59 minutes, another free kick from the right by Taylor to the far post where Danny Livesey headed home past the stranded Elliott.

Elliott then made a full length save from Roberts as Chester looked for a fourth, and then he went down to his left to push a way a free kick by Taylor.

Thompson though had a shooting chance when he cut in from the left, which a defender blocked.

Final score: Chester 3 Darlington 0

Next game: Guiseley (home) Saturday 1st February

Darlington: Elliott, Hedley, Watson, Wheatley (sub Martin 60), Laing, Storey, Thompson, Atkinson (sub Holness 80), Campbell, Reid, Donawa (sub Rivers 72)

Subs:  Connell, Bascome

Booking: Watson, Reid, Thompson

Chester: Griffiths, K Roberts, Taylor, G Roberts (sub Glendon 84), Livesey (sub Jones 80), Grand, Jackson, Stopforth, Asante (sub Hughes 72), Johnston, Dudley

Subs: Morgan,  Ngwatala

Booking: Roberts