Daryl Clare struck a late winner to give Chester a victory at play-off hopefuls Scarborough.

The former Boston hitman headed home Ben Davies' inswinging corner from close range with two minutes remaining to keep Mark Wright's side in the hunt for the automatic promotion place.

Chester, beaten only once away in the Conference this season, had the game's first chance when a Kevin McIntyre corner after 14 minutes was headed wide by Scott Guyett from close range.

Boro gradually got themselves into the match and Anthony Ormerod and Gareth Stoker had good chances late in the first half but failed to test Wayne Brown in the City goal.

The second half continued like the first, scrappy and thin on chances, although Chester should have taken the lead after 69 minutes.

Scarborough's Richard Dryden fouled Clare on the right and Davies' free-kick was headed against the crossbar by Wayne Hatswell.

The visitors continued to create the few opportunities there were and Guyett should have done better with a close-range header from Hatswell's cross with 10 minutes remaining.

Guyett again went close three minutes later, heading Danny Collins' cross just wide, but City got their just reward two minutes from time when Clare pounced.

Scarborough: Walker, Shepherd, Holdsworth, Dryden, Hotte, Ormerod, Henry, Stoker, Brassart, Campbell, Rose. Subs: Woods, Blunt, Pounder, Dempsey, Scott.

Chester: Wayne Brown, Guyett, Ruffer, Hatswell, Collins, Davies, Carden, Kelly, McIntyre, Clare, Sugden. Subs: Carey, Twiss, Michael Brown, Clifford, Brady.

Referee: P Canadine (Rotherham).