THE imperious Blues made it six wins and as many clean sheets on the run to move up to third in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Iain Howard broke the deadlock before Michael Powell scored either side of the break to seal a victory over a Stafford side who played the whole of the second half with 10 men after Luke George was sent-off.

Chester, who have now gone more than nine hours without conceding a goal, were a cut above their former Conference opponents and it was no surprise when Howard volleyed them in front in the 14th minute.

The returning Matty McGinn and George Horan were the creators as the latter flicked on the former’s long throw and, with the Stafford defence unable to clear their lines, Howard was on hand to smash in his fourth goal of the season from close range.

The advantage was doubled seven minutes later. Chris Simm escaped down the left and pulled the ball back for Powell to send an unstoppable first-time left-footed shot low into the bottom corner.

With captain Horan and the ever-impressive Michael Taylor marshaling the backline superbly, the hosts were struggling to break the visitors down and their frustrations boiled over on the stroke of half-time.

Defender George gave referee Craig Taylor no other option but to show him the red card after he stamped on Simm.

The one-way traffic continued after the restart but, with a visit of a title rivals Chorley looming large on the horizon, the Blues played within themselves and it was not until the 75th minute that they truly came to close to scoring again.

The elusive Robbie Booth showed delightful footwork on the edge of the box before playing in Howard, whose fierce angled drive cannoned back off the bar.

But there was to be no reprieve for Stafford as three minutes later the excellent Powell tapped in his second goal of the match – and sixth of the campaign – after substitute Jamie Rainford and Matty McNeil combined to set him up.

Stafford: Johnson, Donnelly, George, Dicker, White, Heler, Kinsella (Budrys 60), Blackhurst (Morton 83), Sheldon, Shotton, Thompson (Skelton 60). Subs: Stevenson, Wood.

Booked: Sheldon, Skelton.

Sent-off: George 44.

Chester: Danby, Brownhill, Taylor, Horan, McGinn, Booth, Powell, Brown, Howard (Wright 75), Simm (Rainford 65), McNeil (Wilde 80). Subs: Baynes, Judge.

Booked: Powell, Taylor.

Goals: Howard 14, Powell 21, 78.

Referee: Craig Taylor (Wolverhampton).

Attendance: 1,098 (572 away).