Ryan Lowe's stunning volley set up-for-sale Chester on their way to a surprise win over high-flying Darlington.

The Quakers took the lead when Rob Purdie met Franz Burgmeier's pass and drove the ball home from 10 yards out.

But top scorer Lowe had already gone close with a free-kick when he levelled with a superb volley that flew in.

Shaun Kelly's close-range header gave Chester the lead and they could have made it 3-1 before the end when Ritchie Partridge shot wide when well placed.

It was City's first win since Mark Wright returned to the Deva Stadium to start his third spell as manager on 14 November.

It was also Chester's first win at Darlington (and their first at Darlo's 'new' home) in 10 seasons - the day after owner Stephen Vaughan said he was putting the club up for sale.

Darlington: Brown, Austin, White, Ryan, Valentine (Blundell 61), Purdie (Main 86), Kennedy, Ravenhill (Hulbert 64), Burgmeier, Foran, Clarke.
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Miller.

Booked: Ryan.

Goals: Purdie 7.

Chester: Danby, James Vaughan, Roberts, Kelly, Linwood, Wilson (Rule 69), Harris, Barry, Hughes, Lowe (Rutherford 89), McManus (Partridge 72).
Subs Not Used: Ryan Williams, Dinning.

Booked: Harris.

Goals: Lowe 37, Kelly 53.

Att: 2,416

Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

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