THE race for the North League Division Two (West) title could not possibly be tighter after Chester’s unbeaten start to the season finally came to an end at the weekend.

The long-time leaders lost 4-3 at South Cheshire – and worse was to follow after the match when news filtered through that second-placed Lytham St Annes had won 4-0 at struggling Winnington Park.

The win moved Lytham level with Chester both on points and goal difference.

Incredibly with five games of the campaign to go, the top two have identical playing records (P17 W13 D3 L1) and have scored (71) and conceded (34) the same amount of goals.

Chester benefited from two own goals on Saturday.

But they were unable to beat a tough and well organised third-placed South Cheshire side.

Huw Barrett completed the scoring for Chester, who host neighbours Northop Hall this Saturday (12.30pm).

Chester Ladies returned to winning ways last Saturday with a thumping 8-0 victory at home to Wigton.