Match Report

A 1,000 Darlington fans seemed to prefer the comfort of their armchairs and a night of Champions League televised football but they missed a stunning strike by Chester striker Ryan Lowe that would have graced any European occasion and set the tone for a terrific victory for the visitors.

Darlington were defending a nine-match unbeaten league run that had taken them to the summit of the league as the game kicked off on a cold November evening at The Darlington Arena.

The hosts were quickly into their stride as Rob Purdie swept a low right-foot drive past John Danby from ten yards, following a low cross by Franz Burgmeier in the seventh minute.

The hosts almost doubled their advantage when Burgmeier brought a fine stop out of Danby with a low drive in the 11th minute.

Chester responded with a free-kick from Lowe that failed to trouble Darlington keeper Simon Brown. Somewhere along the line Darlington lost their way and, rather than kill off Chester, they allowed the visitors to take a firm grip on the game.

Chester continued to test the Darlington goal and good chances fell to Laurence Wilson on 22 minutes and Paul Linwood after 25 and 30 minutes but all were wasted.

A deserved equaliser did come Chester's way though in the 37th minute when Lowe fired in from the corner of the penalty area. Brown was left flapping as the ball flew into the far corner of the net for a stunning equaliser.

The second half began badly for Darlington when they found themselves behind after 53 minutes. Lowe sent over a dangerous corner that was powerfully met by the head of Shaun Kelly and the ball flew past Brown from eight yards.

Darlington brought on former Chester striker Gregg Blundell in an attempt to get back into the game, but it was City who almost increased their lead when substitute Ritchie Partridge broke clear in the 75th minute.

Partridge fired wide from 15 yards with Brown beaten and then, with time ticking away for Darlington, Partridge fired into the side-netting with six minutes left.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides