THE MATCH

Chester FC defied the form guide as they steamrolled Sutton United at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.

Goals from Blaine Hudson, Ryan Lloyd, a Tom Shaw penalty and Kane Richards strike sealed a fine victory for Jon McCarthy's men against a Sutton side who had been third in the table coming into the clash.

It was a dream start for the Blues as they flew out of the traps and, just 60 seconds after Tom Shaw crashed an effort against the post, Hudson was on hand to glance home a header from an Elliott Durrell free-kick on three minutes.

Four minutes later and it was 2-0 when Kane Richards broke well from his own half, skipped a Sutton challenge to get into the box, with his low effort parried by Ross Worner into the path of Lloyd who couldn't miss from four yards.

Sutton regained their composure and came at Chester but Jon Worsnop's excellent one-on-one save from ex-Charlton Athletic man Chris Dickson was as close as they came in the opening 45 minutes.

Ryan Burge drew a stunning save from Worsnop early in the second half from a 25-yard free-kick as Sutton looked to put pressure on the Blues early doors.

Theo Vassell left the action in the 71st minute when he fell awkwardly following a challenge on the edge of the Sutton area. A 10 minute break in play ensued and he left the pitch with what appeared to be concussion.

Any hope of a Sutton fightback was all but ended on 83 minutes when Kane Richards was felled and referee Steven Rushton pointed to the spot.

Tom Shaw squeezed home the resulting spot kick to hand the Blues a deserved three-goal cushion.

And it was 4-0 soon after when, in the first minute of 10 minutes added time, a short free kick found Richards who had time to set himself and fire high into the net from 10 yards. Just reward for a hard-working display from the frontman and his first goal of the season.

ANALYSIS

Well, that was a turn up for the books!

Just like against Dagenham & Redbridge, Chester showed that when they start well they are a match for anyone.

They attacked with conviction and defended resolutely and were full value for the three points.

A young team, yes, but they are a talented one and have shown now, on more than one occasion, that they can match anyone in this league.

Jon Worsnop did well on his return in between the sticks while Tom Shaw, Ryan Astles and Kane Richards all shone, but the team to a man did a fine job against a Sutton side who have been goig great guns.

A morale-boosting second win of the campaign for Chester ahead of Monday's trip to Woking.

This is a talented group but one that is still learning. This was a good day, though.

STAR MAN

Tom Shaw: Tireless throughout, Shaw did a superb job both in possession and without and capped it off with a penalty. Ryan Astles and Blaine Hudson ran him close, though, they were both excellent.

MATCH FILE

Chester FC : Worsnop, Vassell (Joyce 71), Hudson, Astles, Horwood, George, Shaw, Durrell (Chapell 74), Lloyd, Mahon (Hunt 85), Richards. Subs: Roberts, Hughes.

Goals, Hudson 3, Lloyd 7, Shaw 84 (pen), Richards 90+1

Bookings: Richards, Mahon, Horwood

Sutton United: Worner, Amankwaah, Beckwith, Collins, Gomis (Bailey 60), Fitchett, Eastmond, Spence, Dickson (Biamou 60), Deacon, Burge (Stearn 60). Subs: Morrell, Downer.

Goals:

Bookings: Eastmond, Spence

Attendance: 1,625.

Referee: Steven Rushton (Staffordshire).