Darlington's automatic promotion hopes suffered a blow after Chester picked up their second win of the year.

Paul Rutherford gave the home side the lead when his 12-yard effort flew past goalkeeper David Stockdale.

Richie Partridge doubled their lead when he curled in a cracker having been played in by Chris Holroyd.

Steve Foster pulled a goal back for the Quakers when his 18-yard effort went in off the post before Paul McManus struck the crossbar late on.

Chester: Danby (Palethorpe 69), Roberts, Butler, Linwood, Wilson, Partridge (Sandwith 65), Dinning, Hughes, Rutherford, Murphy, Holroyd (McManus 46).
Subs Not Used: Rule, Kelly.

Booked: Rutherford.

Goals: Rutherford 6, Partridge 36.

Darlington: Stockdale, Austin (Valentine 80), White, Foster, Parker, Kennedy, Cummins (Foran 46), Purdie, Joachim, Wright, Abbott (Blundell 68).
Subs Not Used: Liversidge, Miller.

Booked: Stockdale, Foster.

Goals: Foster 84.

Att: 1,759

Ref: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire).