CHESTER extended their lead at the top of the Conference table to six points after a hard-fought win against third-placed Aldershot at the Deva Stadium last night.
Two goals apiece for City's leading scorer Daryl Clare, whose tally for the season has now reached 28, and defender Phil Bolland earned Chester three more precious points.
City swept into a two-goal lead in the opening 10 minutes of frenetic football.
After just 90 seconds a short corner between Clare and Hird, saw the former Hull City youngster cross the ball into the box where Bolland powered his header home from six yards.
After 10 minutes the home side doubled their advantage when Clare latched onto a flick from Stamp. The in-form hitman outpaced his marker before flashing an angled effort into the far corner.
Against the run of play Adam Miller pulled the Southerners back into the game after 37 minutes. The battling midfielder took a corner from the left and Carey and Turner got into a dreadful mess as they allowed the inswinging corner to bisect them and creep over the line.
Chester restored their two-goal cushion after 57 minutes when Bolland kept a cool head to score from 10 yards after an effort from Twiss had hit the base of the visitors' post.
City then put themselves firmly into the driving seat after 67 minutes when Clare scored his third penalty in as many matches.
The spot-kick was awarded after Hird had been brought down in the area by a crude challenge from Challinor. Clare swept the resulting penalty in the corner of the net.
Substitute Lee Charles registered a late consolation for Aldershot.
There was a flashpoint 12 minutes from the end that resulted in both teams being reduced to 10 men when City's McIntyre and Hooper were sent off.
Chester have four games left, and seven points will ensure the Conference title and promotion to the Football League.
CHESTER CITY: Turner, Collins, Guyett, Hird (Elam 90), Bolland, Carden, McIntyre, Twiss, Clare, Carey (Lane 90), Stamp (Davies 90). Subs: Lapley, Woods.
REFEREE: Russell Booth.
ATT: 3,432.
