CHESTER bounced back from their nightmare derby loss to Crewe Vagrants to post a 3-1 victory over a Rotherham side fighting for survival on Saturday.

Despite propping up the table, the Yorkshire side dug in and tried to make life tough for skipper Andy Murphy’s team.

Even so, the hosts found themselves 2-0 up at half-time due to goals from Gareth Thomas and Josh Tester.

Ian Evans, switched from his favoured forward role to a pivotal position in central midfield, excelled and may well have found a new calling in the middle.

Tim Hewson finished the game off for Chester, adding the third in the second half.

After beating the bottom side, Chester now set their sights on the summit as they prepare to entertain table-topping University of Durham 2nds, who lie five points ahead of Chester, tomorrow.

Chester 2nds also won, but were made to come from behind twice by Wilmslow 2nds to earn their 3-2 victory.

Although Wilmslow started quickly and scored an incisive goal, Chester kept their composure and generated momentum of their own, culminating in a penalty conversion by Ian Boothroyd.

Wilmslow then scored a penalty corner but Chester, with midfielder Neil Leo in ruthless form, made the most of their pressure and grabbed the points with goals by Chris Moulson and Sean Blain.

Chester 4ths overcame Crewe Vagrants 3rds 2-1, with assists from Richard Nicholas and Paul Mannion providing the platform for the hosts’ success.

Another derby, this time for Chester 6ths at Deeside Ramblers 7ths, ended 2-2. Greg Lawler almost won the game for the visitors before Deeside struck a late equaliser.

Chester Ladies lost 7-1 at Bowdon. They pushed hard looking for the opening goal and got it when Debbie Roper set up Martine Green to deflect the ball on the volley into the back of the net.

Chester tried to maintain the pressure but an unlucky break against the run of play allowed the hosts to equalise.

After half-time, Bowdon turned the screw and Chester, despite a few isolated attempts to fight back, crumbled.

Chester 3rds lost as Knutsford saw them off 3-1. Tracy Hunt opened the scoring for Chester, whose man-of-the-match was Sian French.