Steve Burr's side ran out comfortable winners over Evo-Stik League Division One South outfit Newcastle Town at The Aspire Stadium.

Having tasted defeat for the first time this pre-season at Witton Albion on Saturday, the manager fielded a strong line-up despite having another game against Tranmere Rovers tonight.

And he was rewarded with a professional and assured performance containing a number of positives.

Peter Winn netted twice as he closed in on full fitness, Liam Blake opened his account for the club, Bohan Dixon scored a fine solo goal as he looks to earn a contract, Danny Harrison returned after almost 10 months on the sidelines and new trialist Billy Peters featured for the first time.

One negative was the loss of Chris Iwelumo only five minutes into the game to an ankle knock with Tom Peers coming on for the experienced centre forward.

Newcastle - who included ex-Blues Ben Mills and Ricky Bridge - competed well in the opening half hour but the Conference Premier side soon asserted themselves.

Teenage midfielder Blake opened the scoring on 34 minutes, firing home from inside the area after Peers had teed him up.

Winn doubled the lead four minutes later with a fantastic strike, smashing the ball beyond home keeper Adam Alcock from 25 yards out.

Jack Rea replaced Harrison at half time and the ex-Tranmere Rovers midfielder would have been delighted to get 45 minutes under his belt.

Chester were three goals to the good on 51 minutes when Winn converted a penalty after Phil Parkinson brought down Wayne Riley.

Peers, Sean Miller and Blake all went close to adding further goals but it was the hosts who struck next when captain Tim Sanders broke through and slotted past keeper Freddy Hall.

But the last word went to the Blues and Dixon, who beat three men before smashing the ball home from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Chester FC: Hall, Disney, Peters, Charnock, Dixon, Blake, Harrison (Rae 46), Winn, Iwelumo (Peers 5), Miller (Menagh 70), Riley. Subs: Hobson, Rooney, Brown, Kay, Worsnop, McConville.

Goals: Blake 34, Winn 36 and 58 (pen), Dixon 87.

Newcastle Town: Alcock, Askey, Parkinson, Ashman, Bridge, Lowe, Carter, Sanders, Thompson, Mills, Irwin. Subs: Melly, Dicken, France, Gordon, Osborne, Bezo.

Goals: Sanders 81.

Referee: Les Sinclair (Newcastle).