ASSISTANT boss Huw Griffiths watched the Blues crumble to a dismal defeat to part-time Telford and later admitted: “We weren’t good enough”.

Griffiths, who took charge of the first-team on Saturday while boss Simon Davies was on a scouting mission, left his squad in no doubt as to just how disappointed he was by them.

It was Chester’s third defeat in five pre-season outings and the worst possible way to prepare for Saturday’s League Two curtain-raiser at Dagenham.

Several first-teamers were left out, but Griffiths knew City still should have given a far better account of themselves.

He said: “When it got into certain areas with certain individuals, they weren’t good enough on the day.

“That’s up to me and the manager to sort out and they’ve been told in no uncertain terms in the dressing room that wasn’t good enough and it won’t be tolerated at the club.”

On-trial goalkeeper Chris Sanna was at fault for at least two of Telford’s goals, although Griffiths was quick to point out he was not the only player to turn in a below-par display against the Blue Square North hosts.

“A few went hiding towards the end of the game and he (Sanna) wasn’t on his own,” said Griffiths. “There were some players who’ll be starting in our 11 (at Dagenham) who went missing. But they’ve had a very tough week and we’ll just make sure they’re right for Saturday.”

With the Dagenham game looming, Davies chose to watch the London club’s 4-0 win at Bromsgrove instead of travelling to the New Buck’s Head.

He missed a defensive horror show from Chester, who went a goal behind on 27 minutes when Sanna’s hesitation and some poor marking allowed Gavin Cowan to head home Martyn Naylor’s free-kick.

Another Naylor set-piece allowed Carl Rodgers to blast in goal number two 11 minutes after the restart as the Bucks took a firm grip on the game.

After making two good saves, Sanna undid his good work 10 minutes from time by dropping a cross and then pulling down Terry Fearns as the striker chased the loose ball. It was a clear penalty and Andy Brown confidently dispatched the spot-kick.

With seven minutes remaining, the Blues netted a penalty of their own through Anthony Barry after Andy Mitchell had been felled by Jon Adams.

But were was no stopping Telford, who wrapped up a convincing victory when Liam Blakeman’s low drive took a slight deflection and crept under Sanna’s body to make it 4-1.

Chester (4-3-3): Sanna, J Vaughan, Rule (Wilson 75), Hughes, Roberts (Kelly 46), Taylor, Harris, Barry, McManus, Mannix (Owen 71), Mitchell (Ellison 82).

Referee: Rob Lewis (Shropshire).

Attendance: 820 (105 away).