The 5-2 scoreline may have flattered Lincoln City but there can be no doubt that Chester FC were beaten by a better side.
The Blues saw their nine-game unbeaten run in the National League come to an end at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium against an Imps side who look destined to be playing in the Football League next season.
Although glancing at the scoreline may suggest otherwise, there were some positive displays for Jon McCarthy's men.
Alex Lynch – 6/10
A decent stop in the first half and out quickly on a couple of occasions but his weak punch led to Matt Rhead handing the Imps the lead just after the break.
Johnny Hunt – 6/10
Was coming into the game carrying a knock and played through the pain barrier. Some decent moments in the first half but found the going tough in the second.
Ryan Astles – 6/10
Headed the Blues into the lead and made some timely challenges but Rhead gave him a tough afternoon. He'll learn from facing someone like him.
Blaine Hudson 6/10
Coming back into the side after injury, Hudson had his moments but looked shaky in periods and the usual confidence across the back four didn't project itself.
Sam Hughes – 8/10 STAR MAN
Has been superb in recent weeks at centre-back and he had another excellent shift in an unfamiliar right-back role. Won his battles and aided the attacking effort. The lad is better than Danny Collins was at his age - and that isn't exaggerating.
Craig Mahon – 7/10
A surprise when he was brought off in the second half but he was struggling with a knock. His usual menacing self in the first half and had the Imps defenders on the back foot.
Ryan Lloyd – 6/10
Started really well but faded as the game went on. Some good deliveries and always went looking for the ball.
Tom Shaw – 7/10
He provided real energy and purpose in the first half, was key to most things positive going forward, and won second balls. Like most, though, he struggled more in the second half, but still put in a shift.
Elliott Durrell – 6/10
Busy throughout the first half and a couple of great touches that almost paid dividends. Deliveries and set-pieces lacked a bit, though.
Jordan Chapell – 6/10
He has his detractors but he was bright in spells and went close to opening the scoring early on. Careless in possession too often, though, which led to the fourth Lincoln goal.
James Alabi – 6/10
The lone striker worked hard and did a good job at playing the targetman role that does not come naturally to him. A good shift.
Substitutes
Kane Richards (on for Mahon – 60 minutes)
Looked to provide a spark and hit the bar late on.
Oluwaseun Akintunde (on for Alabi – 67 minutes)
Failed to make an impact as the Blues were snuffed out by the Imps late on.
Entertainment value – 8/10
Seven goals and plenty of good football. Just the wrong result.
Referee watch: Anthony Backhouse 3/10
One of the worst displays this season. Was played like a violin by Lincoln and turned a blind eye to some blatant decisions. Also added almost two minutes extra at the end of the first half, during which time the the Imps scored. Really poor.
