A SECOND-HALF collapse saw the Blues tumble to yet another defeat on Saturday, March 15 – plunging them deeper into relegation danger.

Chester’s 15th loss in 18 matches left them only seven points clear of the drop zone.

A low-key first-half almost ended on a high note for City, with Paul Rutherford’s excellent volley somehow being tipped over the crossbar by Barnet keeper Lee Harrison.

But it all went wrong for the Blues after the break as they were stung by a three-goal blast from the Bees.

The opener arrived on 49 minutes when Albert Adomah took advantage of a mix-up between keeper John Danby and Tony Dinning to put the hosts 1-0 up.

Goal number two was scored in controversial circumstances 20 minutes from time after Barnet were awarded a dubious penalty when Cliff Akurang tumbled under the challenge of Danby. The same player stepped up to take the spot-kick and placed it straight down the middle of the goal.

With only 10 minutes remaining, Barnet netted a third when Akurang headed in an Anthony Thomas cross. There was still time for the Blues to snatch an injury-time consolation through Mark Hughes, but this was another dismal defeat and boss Simon Davies offered his apologies to the visiting City supporters immediately after the final whistle.

Barnet: Harrison, Parkes, Yakubu, Devera, Gillet (Carew 85), Adomah (St Aimie 84), Bishop, Wright (Leary 87), Nicolau, Thomas, Akurang.

Subs: Grazioli, Porter. Goals: Adomah 50, Akurang 72 pen, 80.

Chester: Danby, J Vaughan (Sandwith 10), Linwood, Dinning, Wilson, Rutherford (Grant 55), Roberts, Hughes, Ellison, Murphy, McManus (Mitchell 75). Subs: Palethorpe, Kelly. Booked: Hughes. Goal: Hughes 90.

Attendance: 1,663.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).