Wrexham AFC 3 Chester FC 0: Jim Green's verdict

Wrexham avenged their defeat to Chester FC back in October with a convincing 3-0 win in the season's second cross-border derby.

While it took a penalty and the dismissal of Ryan Astles for the breakthrough to arrive in the second-half, the margin of victory reflected the dominance of the hosts.

Connor Jennings got the ball rolling on 65 minutes after Astles had brought down the excellent Kayden Jackson, who added the second 12 minutes later.

Robbie Evans slammed home the third with 84 minutes on the clock to round off what was a one-sided contest as the 10-man Blues wilted under the pressure.

Wrexham made a strong start with Tony Thompson pushing an Evans shot wide from 25 yards before an unmarked Jamal Fyfield failed to find the target with his header from close range.

Chester seemed to be caught in the headlights with Jennings dragging a good chance wide and the Dragons should have gone ahead on 14 minutes as Astles blocked Fyfield's shot on the line before Jennings smacked the crossbar from six yards.

Craig Mahon replaced Jordan Chapell after the winger took a knock to the ankle in a blow to the Blues, who would have been relieved to get to 20 minutes without conceding.

Danny O'Brien forced Rhys Taylor into a decent save as the visitors tried to get into the game but for the most part it was the hosts who had the upper hand.

Chances dried up however with both sides restricted to shooting from distance as the game quietened down. Towards the break, Manny Smith headed a Lee Fowler corner over the crossbar and Taylor rushed out well to block when Ross Hannah got behind the defence and latched onto a through ball but the first-half ended scoreless.

Wrexham's Captain Connor Jennings beats Chester keeper Tony Thompson from the penalty spot to make it 1-0 to the home side during Saturday derby win. (Image: Robert Parry-Jones)

There were close calls at both ends in the opening stages of the second-half with Taylor scrambling when James Alabi's header dropped inches wide of the upright while Thompson got down brilliantly to keep out a powerful Jennings shot.

Ben Heneghan was on hand to mop up the danger when Thompson parried an Evans shot before ex-Wrexham man Johnny Hunt picked up the game's first booking for felling Kayden Jackson.

Wrexham continued to have the better of things and took the lead on 65 minutes from the spot. Craig Mahon gave the ball away cheaply and a long ball released Jackson who was brought down from behind. The foul earned Ryan Astles a red card and Jennings converted the penalty to make it 1-0.

Thompson tipped an Evans attempt behind and Sean Newton headed inches over as the Dragons went close to getting a second with Tom Shaw replacing earlier substitute Mahon after Sam Hughes was moved into defence.

Chester's response to going behind was muted and comeback hopes were extinguished on 77 minutes when Jennings released Jackson and he produced a clinical finish, firing low past Thompson as Wrexham went 2-0 up.

The Dragons sensed blood and got a third on

Chester Fans arriving for Saturday's derby at Wrexham on Saturday afternoon (Image: Robert Parry-Jones)

Talking points

Ben Heneghan: Over the past few weeks Heneghan has been outstanding and taking the captain's armband appears to have brought even more out of the 22-year-old. He was imperious in the first-half, organising his fellow defenders and leading from the front as he dominated in the air. It remains to be seen whether Chester can convince him to extend his contract but if he decides the time is right to test himself at a higher level then one cannot blame him as he's proved himself one of the best defenders in non-league.