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Chester FC boss Jon McCarthy believes it is cruel to suggest that a 2-1 defeat at home to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday flattered the Blues.

The big-spending visitors had much of the play at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium and secured the three points thanks to a goal in each half from Liam Noble and veteran midfielder Darren Carter.

Elliott Durrell fired home with 10 minutes remaining to give Chester hope but their Gloucestershire visitors, who went top of the National League after their success, held on.

But Blues boss McCarthy was unhappy with suggestions that it was a scoreline that flattered Chester who, to their credit, set up with a system designed to frustrate their visitors.

"That would be really cruel," said McCarthy.

"They have a lot of the ball. In terms of our game we set up with eight behind. We had two that were going to press. We invited them to have a lot of the ball and in terms of play I don't think that Forest Green have created an awful lot of chances.

"I can understand why you say it because of all the possession that they have had but, actually, what are they doing with that possession? If you watched them against Maidstone the other week then they were doing an awful lot more with their possession."

The Blues are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Aldershot Town (3pm).

Blaine Hudson's late header is cleared by Forest Green's Ethan Pinnock