NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE pacesetters Chester City will today free midfielder Jon Brady from his contract to allow him to join the coaching staff of Premier League giants Arsenal.

The Australian-born player is the second player to be released in four days and follows striker Mark Beesley who had his contract terminated by mutual consent on Friday.

Brady has been offered the position of under-16 coach at Highbury, and he also hopes to continue playing on a part-time basis with a club in the south of England.

City chairman Stephen Vaughan said last night: "This is a tremendous opportunity for Jon and we would certainly not stand in his way. We wish him all the best in his future career in the game.

"Jon has been an excellent servant to Chester City football club, and has been a model professional in the way he conducted himself both on and off the field."

Vaughan continued: "Mark Wright (Chester City manager) has identified a replacement for Jon, and hopefully a deal will be concluded this week.

"The current wage-capping rules in the Conference aren't helping our cause, but we are working extremely hard to keep within the parameters of the scheme."

City are also expected to release two or three more players from their squad later this week, as they acquiesce to the Conference regulations regarding the financial outlay that clubs can utilise on players' salaries.

On the field, Chester continued their impressive form in the Nationwide Conference on Saturday when they extended their lead at the top of the table to four points, thanks to an impressive 3-0 victory at Halifax Town. After weathering an uncomfortable opening 15 minutes, City settled and produced a workmanlike and professional performance that broke the resolve of their Yorkshire hosts.

Kevin Rapley had a goal disallowed for City, prior to Ben Davies opening the scoring after 33 minutes with a delightfully-executed goal, following a good build-up between Clare and Guyett.

In the second half, Chester turned in a superb display of neat, free-flowing foot-ball that had Halifax chasing shadows for the majority of the period.

Danny Collins doubled the visitors' lead after 59 minutes when his exquisite header from six yards flashed into the corner of the net.

The promising central defender, who is currently being scrutinised by a number of Football League clubs, timed his run to meet McIntyre's free-kick to perfection.

Six minutes later, Daryl Clare wrapped up the scoring with a typical predator's goal, following good work by Guyett.

One sad incident marred the victory. City youngster Jamie Heard was stretchered off in the second half with an ankle injury following a horrendous challenge from the United States youth international Sagare. But referee Mr Oliver decided no action was required.

After the match, City boss Mark Wright said: "I was delighted with the professional way the players approached the game. The inter-passing and approach work was a delight.

"I would also like to applaud our travelling supporters, who were magnificent, and gave the lads tremendous encouragement."

CHESTER CITY: Brown, Collins, Ruffer, Guyett, McIntyre, Carey, Davies, Smith (Carden, 71), Heard (Bolland, 54), Rapley, Clare. Subs: Twiss, Foster, Stamp.

REFEREE: Mr Carl Oliver (Ashington)

ATTENDANCE: 1,928.