Gateshead 0-1 Chester

Mark Beesley was making only his second start since returning to City

Chester striker Mark Beesley scored his first goal since his return to the club to earn the Blue Square Premier's bottom club their first away win.

The on-loan Cambridge United front man latched onto Kevin Roberts' cross to hit a close-range winner 11 minutes into the second half.

And, although City old boy Daryl Clare came close to a Gateshead equaliser on his debut, the visitors hung on.

It was a first win for Chester boss Jim Harvey since taking over on 6 October.

City nearly took the lead in the first minute when Anthony Barry's drilled right-footed shot was tipped over by Gateshead goalkeeper Paul Farman, who also saved Beesley's effort from 12 yards.

After Beesley's strike, Gateshead tried to get themselves back into the match but, Clare's efforts apart, speculative long-range efforts from substitute Armand One and Graeme Armstrong were the closest they came.

Chester, whose previous win was also against Gateshead at the Deva a month ago, are now 21 points adrift of safety after their first 'double' of the season.

And, having drawn their previous six games on the road, City have still not lost on their travels since their first away outing of the season at leaders Oxford.

Chester's latest two new loan signings Michael Coulson and Johnny Flynn both made their debut.

Gateshead: Farman, Williams, Curtis, Swailes, Cave (Mackay 80), Phillips (Baxter 62), Gate, Francis, Winn (One 61), Clare, Armstrong.
Subs Not Used: Provett, McDermott.

Chester: Danby, Roberts, Flynn, Ryan, Ashton, Coulson (Ellams 92), Keltie, Barry, Lea, Blundell (Wilkinson 50), Beesley. Other Sub: Kay (for Wilkinson, 91).
Subs Not Used: Murphy, Kay, Owen.

Goal: Beesley 56.

Att: 631.

Ref: Jeremy Simpson (Carnforth).