CHESTER CITY were narrowly beaten by Championship side Leeds United in the Carling Cup at Elland Road last night, but it was Mark Wright's team that took the plaudits after a battling display.

The only goal of the game came after 56 minutes from Norwegian international Eirik Bakke.

The City defence failed to clear across from Eddie Lewis properly and the ball came to Bakke 15 yards out. He drilled it goalwards, and although Linwood appeared to clear the effort a lineman's flag indicated that the ball had crossed the line.

In the first period, it was Chester who impressed, and on a number of occasions could easily have taken the lead.

After just 30 seconds Gregg Blundell broke down the right but his cross just eluded Walters.

More chances came the visitors' way, with Wilson and Martinez both firing narrowly wide.

Six minutes from the break a delightful through ball from Roberto Martinez sent Drewe Broughton free, but Sean Gregan got back quickly to put in a tremendous tackle.

Veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was then called into action to make two saves in quick succession from Walters.

The Championship side came more into it at the beginning of the second period with Beckford and Blake both going narrowly wide.

Following Bakke's goal, City found their feet and made a concerted effort to get back into the game.

Blundell had a golden opportunity to equalise after 72 minutes when Martinez magically threaded a through ball to the former Doncaster striker, but with only Sullivan to beat, he shot wide.

Youngsters Chris Holroyd and Paul Rutherford were sent on for Broughton and Martinez and they both impressed with some speedy runs.

Holroyd just failed to connect with a through ball from Rutherford on the six yard line, and Hand drilled an effort just wide from 20 yards.

In injury time City were awarded two corners in quick succession as they piled forward in search of the equaliser, but their valiant effort was thwarted by defensive headers from Gregan.

This was City's third consecutive defeat following reversals against Hereford United and Wrexham but there were many positives to emerge from this performance, which no doubt the management team of Mark Wright and Graham Barrow will be building on as they prepare for the weekend trip to Torquay United.

Leeds Utd: Sullivan, Crainey, Westlake, Gregan, Lewis, Richardson, Carole, Bakke, Foxe (Kilgannon 89), Blake (Healy 89), Beckford (Moore 75). Subs not used: Howson, Rose.

Chester City: Danby, Vaughan, Hand, Blundell, Broughton (Holroyd 72), Walters, Wilson, Westwood, Linwood, Martinez (Rutherford 81), Artell. Subs not used: Marples, McSporran, Palethorpe.

Ref: Mr Andy D'Urso (Essex).

Att: 10,013.