Chester FC banished the disappointment of their opening day defeat at Gateshead by demolishing Dagenham & Redbridge 3-0 at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium last night.
To a man, Chester were superb against one of the sides fancied by many to be challenging for promotion from the National League come the end of the season.
Here's our individual ratings from a memorable win for Jon McCarthy's men.
LIAM ROBERTS – 8/10
At fault for at least one of the goals on Saturday, young Roberts showed his mental fortitude with an excellent display. His save from Oliver Hawkins's header in the first half was right out of the top drawer.
THEO VASSELL – 7/10
Another who bounced back superbly from Gateshead. The athletic Vassell helped nullify the threat of the Daggers widemen and worked well as part of the back four.
EVAN HORWOOD – 9/10
A huge miss at the weekend, Horwood was superb. He looked a cut above, never missing a challenge or a pass and his constant talking made the whole side look more assured and comfortable. A class act.
RYAN ASTLES – 8/10
Astles and Hudson look like an excellent pairing. Commanding and imposing, Astles never missed a header and never gave the Daggers frontmen a sniff. He continues to come on leaps and bounds.
BLAINE HUDSON – 8/10
Wrexham's loss looks to be very much Chester's gain and Hudson was excellent alongside Astles. He never gave the Daggers frontline a second and never looked like putting a foot wrong.
JOHNNY HUNT – 7/10
Thrived in a role further up the pitch and was busy throughout. He put in a real shift and the left-hand side looked more solid with him in front of Horwood.
ELLIOTT DURRELL – 9/10
Rooney who? How he was never given a chance by Wrexham is beyond me after he terrorised Dagenham last night. He buzzed around the pitch, always looking for the ball. His goal was sublime and not even Manuel Neuer would have got near it.
TOM SHAW – 9/10
He needed this performance. Shaw showed his qualities throughout the contest and was as effective going forward as he was defending. He broke up play, was key to most attacking moves and his strike was superb. If he can reach this level more consistently he can be a major plus this season.
LUKE GEORGE – 7/10
He ensured that the Blues were strong in midfield and stifled the threat of the experienced Luke Guttridge. Strong in the tackle and vocal throughout, he looks comfortable in the captain's role and did a fine job.
JAMES ALABI – 7/10
Worked hard for the cause throughout and provided a physical presence up front. Got himself on the scoresheet with a close range header and deservedly so.
KANE RICHARDS – 7/10
Another who grafted throughout. Him and Alabi never gave the Daggers defence a moment's peace and that allowed the midfield to have more of a commanding influence on the game. Strong indications that the partnership can be fruitful.
SUBSTITUTES
CRAIG MAHON – 6/10
Little time to make an impact but ensured that the level of intensity remained high right to the final whistle.
JORDAN CHAPELL – 7/10
Looked really bright when he came on for the last 15 minutes and could have bagged himself a couple of goals. Was direct and ran at a beleagured Daggers defence every time he got the ball.
MATTY WATERS – 6/10
Had little time to make a real impact but he looked confident and what a sight to see another product of the Chester FC youth set up make their league debut.
