A PATCHED-UP Chester City side valiantly tried to spoil Northampton Town's Coca-Cola League Two promotion party on Saturday, but in the end a headed goal from Scott McGleish earned The Cobblers their step up to a higher level next season.

The defeat was City's first in eight outings, but they can take pride from a gutsy if unspectacular performance, that extended Northampton from start to finish.

Chester were without injury victims Stewart Drummond, Dave Artell and Scott McNiven, while loan players Mark Albrighton and Paul Ellander have returned to their respective clubs.

Despite having a depleted squad, City's players turned in a number of impressive performances. Goalkeeper Chris Mackenzie was outstanding, turning in a man of the match performance to deny the rampant home side, particularly in the second half.

Sean Hessey turned in another classy showing in the heart of City's defence, while in midfield Ben Davies, Tom Curtis and Stephen Vaughan impressed.

The only goal of the game came after 26 minutes. Abdou El Kholti needlessly hacked a loose ball out for a throw in, Hunt launched a monster throw into the City area where McGleish powered a header home from six yards.

City's best chance of the period came after 42 minutes, when a stunning 20-yard volley from Vaughan brought out an excellent save from Harper.

Northampton put City under a lot of pressure at the start of the second period. Mackenzie made an excellent save to push away Kirk's lob, then the Chester shot stopper brought out saves to deny McGleish and Low.

Jake Edwards had an opportunity to register an equaliser midway through the period, but unmarked he headed over from 10 yards when an effort on target would surely have garnered a positive result.

Kelham O'Hanlon attended the post-match press conference in place of Mark Wright.

"We've seen all the celebrations today and it does make you a little envious, but what I told the lads is that could easily be us next season. "The players have been absolutely magnificent over the last eight or nine weeks and to take us from bottom to mid-table is an achievement."

O'Hanlon continued: "I know we can do it (gain promotion) because I'm a winner and we want winners at this club to drive us forward.

"It won't happen overnight though. Just look at Northampton. They've had a few attempts before making it this season.

"The boys were fantastic today. They battled for everything and they didn't lie down which was a credit to them."

NORTHAMPTON TOWN : Harper, Crowe, Chambers, Doig, Smith, Low, Rowson, Hunt, Johnson, Kirk (Jess 62), McGleish (Lee 75).
Subs: Bunn, Dyche, Hand.

CHESTER CITY : Mackenzie, Vaughan, Hessey, Dimech, Regan, Blundell, Walker (Asamoah 46), Davies, Curtis, El Kholti, Edwards (Tait 80). Subs: Dove, Rutherford, Harrison.

REFEREE : Mr Paul Armstrong (Berkshire).

ATT : 7,114.