CHESTER City, who made eight changes to the side that met Yeovil Town on Saturday, progressed to the quarter-finals of the LDV Vans Trophy Northern section last night with a more comfortable victory than the scoreline suggests.

Manager Ian Rush took advantage to play some of his fringe players, and also rest some of his regulars. And the mixture of youth and experience was extremely impressive, particularly in the second half.

The one player who did take the eye was YTS youngster Robbie Booth, who had an outstanding game in midfield and is surely a player who will emerge in future months.

The first half was basically a forgettable affair with neither side really creating many worthwhile opportunities.

The couple of efforts that came City's way fell to Rapley and Watson, but unfortunately both were spurned.

The visitors had a golden opportunity to take the lead eight minutes from the break, but Cooksey fired well over from eight yards following good work by Atieno.

Michael Branch and Richard Hope came on for Bolland and Watson at the start of the second period, and as an attacking force Chester became more of a handful than they had been in the first period.

Three minutes into the half a through ball from Clare found Rapley, the former Colchester striker shot narrowly wide from 15 yards.

The deadlock was broken after 54 minutes through central defender Sean Hessey.

A corner on the left by Booth was headed on by Branch to Hessey who fired firmly home from six yards.

Booth, who was growing in confidence as the game progressed, set Clare away and the ex-Boston United striker then brought out an excellent save from Gilks.

Branch, who was looking lively, cut in from the left before unleashing a tremendous effort that grazed the top of the bar before going over.

Colin Doyle, the on-loan goalkeeper from Birmingham City, made two impressive saves, the first from a firm header from Burgess. Then shortly after the debutant moved well to clutch another header, this time from Griffiths.

Branch and Clare, who looked a potent strikeforce, linked well before Clare waltzed past his marker and slipped the ball agonisingly wide of the upright.

In stoppage time City chiselled out a couple more opportunities, but Gilks dealt competently with efforts from Rapley and Clare.

The performance of some of Rush's fringe players certainly impressed and augurs well for the future.

Rush said: "We felt things weren't going right in the first period, and we needed to make tactical changes and the second half was a much better performance."

CHESTER CITY: Doyle, Vaughan, Hessey, Bolland (Hope 46), McIntyre, Booth, Harris, Carden (Drummond 78), Watson (Branch 46), Rapley, Clare. Subs: Mackenzie, Stamp.

ROCHDALE: Gilks, Bertos, Goodhall (Proberts 78), Griffiths, Gallimore, Burgess, Cooksey (Brisco 78), Clarke, Warner (McGivern 65), Atieno, Tait. Subs: Edwards, Gibbins.

REFEREE: Mr Paul Danson (Leicester).

ATT: 1,419.