THERE was an element of inevitability about this Carling Cup scoreline but Chester, who were decimated by injuries and a suspension, put up a brave show before succumbing to four second-half goals which gave the scoreline a rather flattering look for the Championship side.

Manager Keith Curle, who was hit by injuries to four first teamers and a ban to the influential Ryan Lowe, started the game with a 4-5-1 formation and in the second period changed to a more familiar 4-4-2.

But in the end the greater quality of the Midlanders shone through, but City can hold their heads up high for a never-say-die attitude which was a credit to them.

Wolves took the lead in the sixth minute through pint-sized striker Kenny Miller. A corner taken by debutant Darren Anderton was only half cleared, the ball fell invitingly to Miller, whose low effort deflected in.

There was controversy midway through the half when Leon Clarke was fortunate to get away with a blatant elbow to the face of City defender Phil Bolland. Amazingly Lancashire referee Tony Leake missed the incident.

In the second half Chester took off midfielder Justin Walker and brought on striker Gregg Blundell for his debut and the ex-Doncaster player brought a little more penetration to City's attack.

However, after 62 minutes some poor defending allowed substitute George Ndah to beat two defenders before supplying Colin Cameron, whose 18-yard effort fizzed in.

Anderton scored his first goal for his new club ten minutes later when his 20-yard free kick went through the arms of Mackenzie, who won't have been pleased with his attempted save.

Two goals in three minutes from Cameron and Vio Ganea made it a nap hand for the homesters, but to their credit Chester didn't give up.

Seven minutes from the end Ben Davies registered a consolation goal when he scored with a direct 20-yard free kick that gave Ikeme no chance.

City are next in action on Saturday when they entertain Darlington at the Deva Stadium.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS: Ikeme, Lescott (McNamara 79), Cameron, Kennedy, Edwards, Anderton, Miller, Seol, (Ndah 56), Gyepes, Clarke (Ganea 71), Davies. Subs (not used): Post-ma, Olofinjana.

CHESTER CITY: Mackenzie, Regan (Bertos 70), Bolland, Drummond, Branch (Vaughan 76), Hessey, Davies, Curtis, McNiven, Dimech, Walker (Blundell 46). Subs (not used): Curle, Brookfield.

Ref: Mr Tony Leake (Darwen, Lancs)

Att: 9,518