CRISIS-hit Chester City kicked off the new Conference season in front of their lowest crowd for an opening match ­ just 745.

Outside the ground City's stay-away fans continued their peaceful picket against the ownership of the club by controversial American Terry Smith.

And a mediocre Woking side soon set about inflicting even more misery with the Deva Stadium's first goal of the new campaign after just 65 seconds.

Taking advantage of acres of space in midfield Pitman's cross was allowed to run right across the penalty area before Warren Houghton pounced to score from 15 yards.

The Southerners piled on the agony with Steele, Pitman and Griffin all going close before Barry Moore added a second seven minutes before the break.

Chester were woeful in the first half but the second period did bring some improvement with Chris Blackburn and Carl Ruffer going close.

But Chester were still out of their depth and Wayne Brown remained the busier of the two keepers, doing well to clutch a well-struck 20-yard effort from Woking substitute Kadi.

After the match Chester's director of football Gordon Hill said: 'We gave two stupid goals away, but I was pleased with our second-half performance.

'We've got injuries and it just shows me we need some depth.'