BLUES fans were at long last given some new year cheer as an unwanted record was to put to bed.

After an incredible nine-year wait for a home win in January, Chester followers finally saw their side pick up three points on their own turf in the first month of the year as headers from Bradley Barnes, Michael Wilde and Robbie Booth saw off 10-man Wakefield.

But more importantly for Blues boss Neil Young, the comfortable victory brought an end to the three-game winless run at the Exacta Stadium that has allowed Chorley back in the Evo-Stik League First Division North title race.

Heartened by their improved performance in the midweek draw with AFC Fylde, Young’s table-toppers ran out deserved winners after Tom Denton was stupidly sent-off in the 12th minute for throwing a punch at George Horan.

The visitors had actually edged the opening exchanges and were set to take to take a free kick on the edge of the home box when their top-scorer lost his head.

Denton complained Horan had grabbed him by the throat, but his reaction was inexcusable and referee Paul Marsden quite rightly gave him his marching orders.

The strugglers – sporting a garish luminous yellow top – now had no other option but to sit back and invite Chester to break them down.

And it was an invitation the hosts thought they had accepted eight minutes later when Wilde made something out of nothing and crossed for Jimmy McCarthy to tap in. However the effort was ruled out as Wilde was adjudged to have taken the ball over the byline.

McCarthy was looking the best bet for a goal and after he shot wide from distance, he stung the hands of Jan Zolna from closer in.

But just when it seemed Wakefield were going to make it through to the break unscathed, the Blues broke the deadlock.

Kyle Wilson was the architect as he collected a short corner from man of the match Iain Howard and crossed left-footed for Barnes to make it eight goals for the season with a glancing 10-yard header.

The recalled Wilson was enjoying a fine game and it was from his wind-assisted corner that Chester killed the contest in the 59th minute.

Wilson’s delivery was seemingly heading into Zolna’s hands, but it held up in the air and top-scorer Wilde took full advantage to nod in his 21st of the campaign.

Wilde came close to grabbing his second shortly after, but it was substitute Booth who ended the home scoring 11 minutes from time when he headed in his first of the season from Howard’s centre.

It was the Yorkshiremen who had the finally say, though, as Brandon Kane robbed Chris Williams and rolled the ball past Richard Whiteside.

Chester: Whiteside, Aspin, Ruffer, Horan, C Williams, Barnes, A Williams (Beck 80), Howard, McCarthy (Booth 64), Wilde (Metcalfe 83), Wilson. Subs: Taylor, Stones.

Booked: Horan.

Goals:  Barnes 45, Wilde 59, Booth 79.

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Milnes, Stansfield, Tonks, Jones (Woodhead 83), McGuire, Roberts, Hunter (Brooke 65), South (Kane 59), Denton. Subs: Glavin.

Goal: Kane 90.

Sent-off: Denton 13.

Referee:  Paul Marsden (Lancashire).

Attendance: 2,280.