Accrington Stanley 0, Chester City 2: THE Chester City bandwagon rolled relentlessly on towards the Conference title on Saturday, clinically brushing aside the challenge of a team with aspirations of joining them back in the Football League.

On a rain-lashed day in Lancashire, the Blues again showed the steel of which potential champions are made and rarely looked like surrendering three points.

Once Scott Guyett had headed home Jamie Heard's cross after 13 minutes, Chester looked determined to chalk up their 11th away win of the season. And apart from a save by Iain Turner from the first kick of the game for substitute Dean Calcutt after 38 minutes, they were never under seriously pressure in the first half.

And when Jon Kennedy had to make saves in quick succession from Darryn Stamp and Daryl Clare just after the break, City looked ready to power their way to victory. But there were one or two frowns on City faces as Clare first blazed a shot over the bar and then headed a Heard cross wide.

With such a tenuous lead, Accrington began to believe they could snatch a point, but it was still Chester who created the better chances with Clare, Guyett and Twiss (twice) missing clear opportunities to put the game safe.

Kennedy's fine save from Twiss near the end retained Accrington's interest, but Chester finally eased the tension when Clare was fouled by Robbie Williams and the striker rifled in the penalty.

Williams, already booked, duly received the red card as Accrington's hopes were finally dashed.

Said Wright: 'We could have had four or five goals.

'We could have made life a lot easier, but we are just grateful for the three points.'

Accrington: Kennedy, Cavanagh, Fitzgerald (Durnin 87), Williams, Kempson, Proctor, Branna, Cook (Flitcroft 87), James, Mullin, Hollis (Calcutt 38). Subs: Speare, Smith.

Sent off: Williams. Booked: Williams.. Chester: Turner, Collins, McIntyre, Carden, Bolland, Clare, Carey, Twiss, Stamp (Lane 62), Guyett, Heard. Subs: Rapley, Elam, Davies, Woods.

Booked: Twiss. Referee: C W Oliver, Ashington. Attendance: 2,561.