John Rooney capped a man-of-the-match performance with a stunning hat-trick as Chester FC claimed an entertaining 4-0 win over Liverpool under-21s.

Rumours the Premier League club would be fielding a number of first-team regulars proved unfounded, but the visiting Reds acquitted themselves well before fading in the closing stages.

In a tight first-half, Liverpool had the clearer chances with Welsh starlet Harry Wilson forcing Jon Worsnop into a decent save and the dangerous Ryan Kent going even closer when he rattled the crossbar with the keeper well beaten.

Ross Hannah and Craig Hobson dragged shots wide for Chester, who found it difficult to keep hold of the ball but the half's best move resulted in them hitting the front on 42 minutes. Tom Shaw released Jordan Chapell on the right, whose cross found John Rooney and he slotted past Ryan Fulton.

The second period was more open with the Blues now the team in control. George Thomson failed to keep his header down from Craig Mahon's excellent cross and while Kane Richards did hit the target, the post prolonged his wait for a goal.

Referee Ryan Johnson's decision to turn down a clear penalty didn't help Richards mood, but the Blues got a deserved second goal on 72 minutes when Sam Hughes, who signed his first professional deal before the game, poked home Rooney's free-kick.

Liverpool looked far less assured and conceded a third on 83 minutes when the red-hot Rooney checked inside before using his right foot to curl the ball into the top corner from 25 yards in spectacular fashion.

Rooney wasn't finished there and with seconds remaining, the midfielder won a free-kick withing shooting range and stepped up to curl a shot into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick.

Talking points

Rooney: The midfielder has been one of the most impressive performers during pre-season, if not the most. His talent has never been in question, but his critics point to a lack of consistency and a habit of drifting in and out of games. That's not a criticism that can be levelled at him over the past month. He has the bit between his teeth and that bodes well for the forthcoming season.

Absent stars: Pre-match speculation the Reds squad would include some famous faces proved to be just that. There was no Philippe Coutinho, no Emre Can and no Mario Balotelli. Although not the same, we did get a glimpse into the future with Harry Wilson, Pedro Chirivella and Sheyi Ojo tipped for big things with the former in particular looking an exciting talent.

Match facts

Chester FC: Worsnop (Forth 80), Higgins (Tonge 45), Heneghan (Kay 45), Sharps, Hunt, George (Hughes 60), Rooney, Shaw (Mahon 45), Chapell (Richards 45), Hannah (Thomson 60), Hobson (Peers 69).

Subs: All used.

Goals: Rooney 42, 83 and 90, Hughes 72.

Liverpool U21s: Fulton, Randall (McLaughlin 60), Cleary (Polgar 60), Paez (O'Hanlon 60), Whelan (Hart 45), Rossiter (Gomez 60), Kent (Brannagan 60), Chirivella (Marsh 60), Wilson (Brewitt 60), Sinclair, Ojo (Yesil 60).

Subs: Firth.

Referee: Ryan Johnson (Bolton).

Attendance: 2,602.

Verdict

With one game to go, the Blues are shaping up exactly as manager Steve Burr and first-team coach Jon McCarthy would want.

John Rooney stole the show but this was another encouraging performance filled with promising signs for what might be possible this season.

Precision passing, pace and a cutting edge in front of goal make this a team that is pleasing to watch and one that appears to have what it takes to improve on what was achieved last term.

There are no points awarded for pre-season and the serious business begins on August 8, but on this showing the Blues have a lot to look forward to.