WREXHAM gave themselves renewed hope of avoiding relegation with a valuable 2-0 win over bitter rivals Chester City at a Deva Stadium that was painted red by the celebrating Welsh fans.

Goals from Paul Hall and Michael Proctor were enough for Brian Little's men to beat a Chester side who found their former goalkeeper Gavin Ward in inspired form.

Strangely enough, we took the lead only seconds after Chester had a goal chalked off for a foul on Ward. It came from an inswinging Kevin Ellison corner that the former Chester keeper appeared to punch into his own net, but referee Andy D'Urso blew up for a foul.

From the free kick, Ward aimed the ball deep after 22 minutes where Paul Hall pulled away from his marker and, after being picked out by Proctor, fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

The travelling fans couldn't believe their luck and certainly made the most of it, urging the boys forwards at every opportunity.

The home side should have drawn level just after the hour when Kevin Ellison had plenty of time and space, but saw his eight-yard effort superbly saved by Ward. It was a big let off for the Reds, as the midfielder seemed only to pick his spot to draw Chester level.

Chester's Chris Holroyd then had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside, and within seconds the struggling visitors doubled their advantage.

A long throw  from Carl Tremarco on the left wind was allowed to bounce in the box, and with Broughton looking to be impeded for a penalty and Michael Proctor didn't wait for a whistle, hooking a tremendous volley over his shoulder and past goalkeeper John Danby on 65 minutes.

In a frantic finale, Ward again denied Ellison with another fine save and Paul McManus shot just past the post as Wrexham hung on for a famous victory.

Chester City: John Danby, James Vaughan, Kevin Roberts, Paul Linwood, Laurence Wilson (Paul Rutherford 62), Mark Hughes, Tony Dinning, Kevin Ellison, Kevin Sandwith, Chris Holroyd (Paul McManus 77), John Murphy.
Subs: Phil Palethorpe, Glen Rule, Sean Kelly.

Wrexham: Gavin Ward, Simon Spender, Carl Tremarco, Phil Bolland, Mike Williams, Richard Hope, Chris Llewellyn, Paul Hall (Stuart Nicholson 72), Jeff Whitley, Michael Proctor (Sam Aiston 85), Drewe Broughton (Robert Duffy 80).
Subs: Anthony Williams, , Silvio Spann.