Steve Burr was delighted to start his managerial reign with a win and praised the character of his players for securing all three points against Barnet.

Jamie Reed, who had scored only once in 16 league games, proved the unlikely hero as he finished off a delightful move less than 60 seconds after Jake Hyde had levelled to cancel out Lewis Turner's fortuitous opener.

Conceding late goals has been a major contributor to the Blues' struggles this season and the home fans fell silent when Hyde equalised with seven minutes left, perhaps fearing the Bees would go on to take the win.

But the response was perfect, both in its timing and execution. Turner crafted a neat move down the right with John Rooney and Craig Mahon before putting in a tempting cross that Reed slotted home to make the final score 2-1.

"I couldn't have asked for anything better really could I," said Burr, whose appointment was confirmed less than three hours before kick-off.

"I thought the effort and commitment the players showed was fantastic. We thoroughly deserved to get the win.

"When we conceded, I feared that it was going to be a point but to respond in the way that we did, and with the goal that we got, I thought was pleasing for the lads."

Despite the three points, Chester remain in the relegation places and Burr is under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge he faces.

Next up is a long trip to Woking on Tuesday and a win would not only move the Blues out of the bottom four but drag the Cardinals right back into the survival scrap.

Burr has been told money will be made available to bring new faces but still has much to learn about the players he has inherited from former boss Neil Young, although he has taken plenty of heart from the gutsy win over the Bees.

"I only met the players at lunchtime today so I did learn a lot and I'm sure I will learn a lot more over the weeks to come," he said.

"I was pleased with the two centre halves but I was with everybody. I said to them beforehand we need committed effort and that's exactly what we got.

"It would be an injustice really to pick out anybody. As a team they showed they are fighting for the cause.

"It was gritty and they are going to be gritty aren't they. You can see there is a bit of anxiety in the play, the passing can be a bit rash at times but that's obviously something that we get on the training ground we can work on.

"Today will give us a lot of confidence and we move onto the next one. They have shown the effort was there today and we will need bundles of effort.

"Hopefully we can improve things and work on one or two things. The best thing today is obviously the three points, that's the most important thing."

Burr initially ruled himself out of the running to replace departed manager Neil Young and ex-Everton midfielder Gavin McCann appeared favourite to become the club's new boss.

However, things change quickly in football and once the 54-year-old expressed an interest in the job the Blues board made him its number one target.

Burr has been told that money will be made available to bring in new faces and could also look to add Gary Whild, who he worked with at Kidderminster Harriers, to the coaching staff.

"Getting a win today gives us a bit of breathing space heading into Tuesday's game," said Burr.

"There are areas obviously that need to be strengthened but the lads have done themselves great today and that's pleasing from my point of view."

As well as being pleased with his players' efforts, Burr was also delighted with the support from the stands in his first game in charge, although joked he hoped the rest of the season wouldn't throw up as many nerve-jangling moments.

"The atmosphere was fantastic," he said.

"I said to the lads it was a great response but don't put me through that every week.

"The roof came off when we got the second. That showed a lot of character. When we conceded you could hear a pin drop but then to go straight up and get the winner in the way we did, it was a great goal and a well worked move, and Reedy finished it off in style

"That's the excitement that I have sort of become used to and it was a fitting end to a long day."