MICK Wadsworth praised Chester City’s battling qualities after they earned a deserved draw from this afternoon’s Racecourse derby.

Wrexham were red-hot favourites for the high-noon showdown after thrashing title favourites Luton Town in midweek.

Chester were more than a match for their arch rivals, though, and had Gregg Blundell tucked away the game’s best opportunity, they would have made the short journey back across the border with the points in the bag.

Blues boss Wadsworth, whose men have now drawn their last five away matches, said: “It was a good performance. We battled, we were steely and we showed a grim determination not to be beaten.

“And in many parts of the game I thought we were the better team. We had the best two chances and Gregg’s beside himself and apologetic for missing his opportunity. But these things happen and he didn’t do it on purpose.

“It was rough and tumble but I thought we stood up to the physical side of it and we weren’t found wanting on the fitness side.

“I don’t think John Danby has had a save to make. We defended the box very well and their dangerman, Gareth Taylor, hasn’t dominated us at all.”

Dragons boss Dean Saunders also had words of comfort for City, who are 22 points away from Blue Square Premier safety going into Tuesday’s home clash with Forest Green Rovers (7.45pm).

Saunders said: “The players gave me everything they’ve got but you have to give credit to Chester.

“I thought we were probably the better team but we just didn’t do enough to win.

“I think we are fitter than any team in this league and as the game wore on I thought we would wear them down, so all credit to them.”

Highlights from the match will be shown on S4C football show Sgorio tomorrow at 10pm. S4C is available on Sky 134 and Freesat 120 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and on Sky 104, Freeview 4, Virgin TV 167 and Freesat 104 in Wales.

See your free Xtra Chronicle tomorrow for more derby reaction from City manager Wadsworth.