THE Blues caused a major shock last night by claiming a well-deserved away win over promotion-chasing Darlington.

A wonder strike by Ryan Lowe and a header from young defender Shaun Kelly handed City their first win since October 28, ending a sequence of four successive defeats.

The Quakers took a seventh-minute lead through Rob Purdie, who side-footed home a cross from Liechtenstein international Franz Burgmeier.

But the Blues drew level on 37 minutes with an early contender for goal of the season. Jay Harris played a pass to Lowe, who in one movement cut inside before hitting a stunning volley beyond keeper Simon Brown.

City were looking assured against their high-flying hosts and they bagged the winner on 53 minutes.

Lowe swung in a corner and it was headed into the net by youth team product Kelly, who followed up his man of the match performance against Aldershot on Saturday with another magnificent display.

Blues skipper Paul Linwood cleared a shot off the line from Darlington’s former Chester striker Gregg Blundell to ensure the visitors held on for a superb win.

It was Mark Wright’s first victory since he returned for a third spell as manager earlier this month.

Darlington: Brown, Austin, White, Ryan, Valentine (Blundell 61), Purdie (Main 86), Kennedy, Ravenhill (Hulbert 64), Burgmeier, Foran, Clarke. Subs: Oakes, Miller.

Booked: Ryan.

Goals: Purdie 7.

Chester: Danby, J Vaughan, Roberts, Kelly, Linwood, Wilson (Rule 69), Harris, Barry, Hughes, Lowe (Rutherford 89), McManus (Partridge 72). Subs: Ryan Williams, Dinning.

Booked: Harris.

Goals: Lowe 37, Kelly 53.

Attendance: 2,416.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).