ALL the pre-match hype and media interest surrounding this match centred on Accrington Stanley's return to the Football League after an absence of 44 years. All the neutrals and assembled television and radio crews yearned for a fairy tale Stanley victory, so their story would be complete.

However, it was Chester City's organisation and all-round professionalism that stole the show and deservedly took the points. The 90 minutes sent out a message to the Coca Cola League Two newcomers that they must improve quickly, particularly in the centre of defence, or a speedy return to the Nationwide Conference could well beckon.

City were superior in practically every department and in midfielder Roberto Martinez they have an outstanding replacement for last season's "player of the season" Stewart Drummond, who left the club during the summer for pastures new with Shrewsbury Town.

Martinez was exquisite in midfield and playing just in front of the defensive unit he orchestrated most of City's attacking moves and when called upon was on hand to snuff out most of the rare attacking threats that emanated from the visitors.

Chester fielded nine debutants in their starting line-up and initially they took the game by the scruff of the neck, with Jon Walters and Dean Bennett flashing efforts just wide of the upright.

City deservedly took the lead after 15 minutes. Former Everton player Lawrence Wilson delivered an in-swinging corner from the right, where bustling striker Drewe Broughton clinically scored with a firmly struck downward header.

Accrington had to wait until the 47th minute for their first real effort on goal, but Roberts' 15 yards shot was hit tamely at Jon Danby in the City goal.

Chester secured the points five minutes from time when Gregg Blundell doubled their advantage.

The former Doncaster Rovers striker was unceremoniously upended in the area by a naive challenge from Williams and the hitman duly dispatched the resulting spot kick.

Following the game City manager Mark Wright enthused: "From our point of view it was a good start. For the first half an hour we did well and we should have been more than one up. I think we have got a strong team here now.

"It was also good to keep a clean sheet and we looked strong defensively, which was pleasing."

Wright added: "I was delighted for Gregg Blundell because I think he suffered from a lack of confidence last season. When he came on he looked really lively and that performance will give him a lot of confidence."

Accrington's Merseyside-based manager John Coleman was less than happy with his team's performance: "We gave away a few cheap set plays and were punished for them.

"It was physical out there and we have got to learn to stand up to teams. I think all our players went into the game maybe a little bit over-confident, but they've learned a harsh lesson. We have also got to toughen up."

Chester are next in action tomorrow night, when they make the short journey to Gigg Lane to face Bury. Midfielder Ricky Ravenhill is available following a one match suspension and City are hopeful that defender Kevin Sandwith will have shaken off the effects of a training ground hamstring injury, which forced him out of Saturday's match.

Chester City: Danby, S Vaughan (Marples 82), Linwood, Westwood, Artell, Wilson, Bennett, Martinez (McSporran 70), Hand, Broughton (Blundell 57), Walters. Subs not used: Allen, Rutherford.

Accrington Stanley: Dunbavin, Cavanagh, Richardson, Williams, Welch, Proctor (Harris 75), Doherty (Todd 15), Crainey, Boco, Mullin (Mangan 62), Roberts. Subs not used: Brown, Edwards.

Attendance: 3,779. Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).