NEIL Young was left fuming after a late equaliser cost Chester the chance of regaining their seven-point lead at the Evo-Stik League First Division North summit.

A brace from top-scorer Michael Wilde looked to have fired the table-toppers to a vital victory over one of the toughest teams they have faced this season.

But super sub Stephen Moore had other ideas and his 84th-minute leveller earned his side a point – and gave second-placed Skelmersdale United a huge lift.

Blues boss Young said: “I am very disappointed and fuming is probably the best word to describe how I feel about our defending. The second goal in particular was a comedy of errors.

“We’re having to work hard for our goals but the goals we are conceding are absolute gifts.”

The opening goal of what was an evenly-fought affair was a typical poacher’s finish from the irrepressible Wilde.

He rose highest to meet Iain Howard’s cross from the left and, although he could not find strike-partner Chris Simm with his knock-down, he showed quick reactions to stab the loose ball past David Carnell from close range.

With the fit-again Ashley Williams bossing midfield alongside debutant Michael Powell, Chester began to dominate proceedings and Carnell produced a wonder save to deny Wilde.

But a highly capable Curzon outfit were always in the game and they restored parity in the 40th minute when David Birch’s free kick from the left evaded everyone in the box and sailed past the returning Adam Judge.

Up until that point Judge had had little to do but he was forced to show sharp reflexes moments later to tip Chris Worsley’s 20-yard drive over the bar.

Both teams were given an extra five minutes in the changing room at the break once it became clear that assistant referee Peter Simm could not continue after pulling his calf.

With no fourth official to call on, an announcement was made over the tannoy for any qualified officials in the Exacta Stadium crowd to come forward and offer their services.

Chester & District League referee Joe Smith answered the call and once the match got back under way it was the fifth-placed visitors who started the brighter.

But the Blues remained resolute and they restored their lead in the 59th minute through their inspirational talisman.

Howard’s driven free kick from the right byline was a good one and Wilde showed great feet to turn the ball home from six yards to take his tally for the term up to 34 goals in 38 games.

Carnell then made a super double save from substitute Jack Mackreth and Robbie Booth as the hosts attempted to ram home their advantage.

But they were unable to beat the impressive Carnell for the third time and they conceded a desperately disappointing equaliser with six minutes to play.

Judge totally failed to deal with what was an overhit back pass from Greg Stones and, although the resulting corner was cleared, Moore found space in the area to glance in Worsley’s return cross and add a new twist in the title race.

Chester: Judge, Aspin, Horan, Ruffer, Stones, Booth (Barlow 89), Powell, A Williams, Howard, Wilde, Simm (Mackreth 63). Subs: Taylor, Barnes, Beck.

Goals: Wilde 13, 59.

Curzon: Carnell, Jones, Birch, Davis, Mortimer (Young 90), Lyons, Moses, Evans (Moore 79), Worsley (Wright 90), McDonagh, Edgehill.

Booked: Jones, McDonagh, Birch.

Goals: Birch 40, Moore 84.

Referee: Joe Johnson (West Derby).

Attendance: 2, 201.