Jon McCarthy highlighted the never-say-die attitude in the Chester squad following the 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers.

After a disappointing and goalless first half, Nathan Blissett and Tom Parkes scored seven minutes apart to put the Gas on course for the win with a little more than half an hour to go.

Rhys Oates pulled one back with his first goal for the club on 67 minutes and Matty Hughes nodded them level three minutes later, and the Blues looked capable of getting a third at times.

In the end, both sides had to make do with a share of the spoils after a game that came to life in the second period.

Steve Burr’s men are now unbeaten in seven games at the Swansway Chester Stadium and assistant boss McCarthy said he could sense momentum gathering.

“The gaffer is the most positive person in the world and he thinks we’re going to win the game when we’re 2-0 down,” said McCarthy, who played under Burr at Hucknall Town and Northwich Victoria.

“You’ve got to go with that and that’s infectious and it goes across to the players and I think the fans understand and believe that now.

“It’s a nightmare for me because the gaffer wanted to push people on and I’ve always got half an eye that we are two versus two against those two good players, Blissett and Matty Taylor.

“I’m looking at that bit but it’s important what the gaffer is doing, he wants us play, the fans are buying into it and want to see us play and I think they’ll accept that.

“It’s great to be a part of and it’s quite a special feeling. I’ve been around a lot of dressing rooms and you know when there is something there and some momentum, and the gaffer has created that and he’s got the players to buy into it.”

Chester struggled to gain a foothold in the game in the first period and the better chances fell to the Gas with Taylor going closest against his former club.

Burr brought on Sean McConville at the break and although his side soon found themselves two down, the change had the desired effect with the substitute creating the second goal for Hughes.

“Bristol are a different team to Gateshead,” said McCarthy.

“Gateshead are an experienced Conference team and play attacking football, which allowed us to go head-to-head.

“Bristol Rovers are very good at that two banks of four, their very solid and they’ve got good individual players.

“They frustrated us a little bit and we didn’t have that hole that we wanted to work in but the gaffer recognised that and brought on Sean McConville.

“He’s a little bit cleverer and Matty Hughes has got some pace so we started stretching that and created some space.”

Chester return to action on Tuesday with a long trip to Dartford (7.45pm), who are in the relegation places after a 1-0 defeat at Lincoln City on the weekend.