THE MATCH

Chester FC were unable to build on Saturday's 4-0 win over Sutton United as their inconsistencies reared their head once more as they were beaten 3-1 at a previously winless Woking.

Goals from the excellent Kieran Murtagh, Joey Jones and Chiegozie Ugwu handed Garry Hill's Cards side their first win of the season after Ryan Lloyd had levelled briefly.

The Blues were behind on 17 minutes when they failed to clear danger on the left hand side and the ball was worked out to Murtagh who had the time and space to fire a low 25-yard effort that found the corner of the net past a despairing Jon Worsnop.

But Chester were level eight minutes later when, moments after hitting the bar through James Alabi's close range header, a Johnny Hunt free kick was met by Lloyd's head, glancing beyond Michael Poke.

Parity was to be short lived, though, as the Blues gave away a soft free-kick on the left before Max Kretzschmar delivered a pin-point cross that was nodded home from close range by Jones.

Despite the changes Chester couldn't make any in roads and failed to really test Poke in the Woking goal.

And as they pressed further forward for a leveller they went 3-1 behind on 75 minutes when a Jake Caprice cross had Chester all at sea at the back and Ugwu blasted home from close range.

ANALYSIS

Coming into the clash Chester were full of confidence following their 4-0 win over Sutton United while Woking were still without a win in the National League this season.

But Chester, forced to shuffle their pack following Saturday's injury to Theo Vassell, were unable to get out of the traps quickly enough and their weakness on the left hand side was exploited time and time again by the Cards in the opening 45 minutes.

Apart from the goal they failed to test Poke and a Cards defence that has been one of the most pourous in the league this season. They lacked invention and looked vulnerable both on the left and with high balls coming through the centre.

When Woking got themselves back in front following Lloyd's leveller they never looked like relinquishing the lead for a second time and, despite the changes made by McCarthy at the break, were comfortable and full value for the three points.

Murtagh bossed the contest from the centre of midfield, a battle that Chester were never truly in.

The Blues remain inconsistent, something that comes with a young team, but this was a perfect chance to build on a morale-boosting win at the weekend.

If they are to achieve more than bobbing above the relegation zone this season then they need to find consistent levels.

Seven games in and they remain completely unpredictable. Next up, Forest Green Rovers.

STAR MAN

Ryan Lloyd: On a day where few Chester players covered themselves in glory, Lloyd took his goal well and tried to be an energetic force from midfield.

MATCH FILE

Woking: Poke, Caprice, Gordon, Jones, Saah, Yakubu (Saraiva 78), Penny (Ansah 68), Murtagh, Ugwu, Kretzschmar (Carter 76), Lewis. Subs: Hall, Edgar.

Goals: Murtagh 17, Jones 28, Ugwu 75.

Bookings: Ansah

Chester FC: Worsnop, Horwood, Hunt (Durrell 46), Astles, Hudson (Hughes 46), Chapell (Akintunde 70), Lloyd, George, Shaw, Alabi, Richards. Subs: Roberts, Mahon.

Goals: Lloyd 26

Bookings: Hunt, Worsnop, George, Horwood

Referee: Robert Whitton (Essex).

Attendance: 1,271.