Chester CityIT was a case of so near yet so far for the Red Dragons in this Pontin's League Cup game against Chester City at Druids.

Before a crowd of 150, the home side got off to good start and enjoyed the majority of play during the opening quarter of the match, but were unable to force a way through the solid City defence.

This lead to Chester coming more into the game and with a strike force of Cortez Belle, Darryn Stamp and Kevin Rapley, they began to look the more dangerous.

At the interval Danny Williams was replaced by Matty Done and our hold in midfield certainly waned, with City pushing forward and forcing us onto the back foot.

Yet it was the Reds who could have opened the scoring on 58 minutes, when Jamie Reed was blocked tackled by keeper Wayne Brown outside the area and as the ball ran free to Jim Whitley, the wingback pulled his 30-yard effort wide of an empty net.

Minutes later Wrexham were made to pay for this miss, as on loan midfielder Mark Cadwallader, who is trying to earn a contract from Welsh Premier League side Welshpool, turned Graham Roche to drive to the line and cross into the centre. There striker Darryn Stamp stooped low to head the ball back across Jones and inside the keeper's right hand post.

It was then the turn of Marc Williams to be denied by Brown, who first stood up to the young striker in a one-on-one situation and then regained his feet to grab a chipped effort from above his head.

After that the advantage was definitely with the visitors as Belle, Stamp and Cadwallader all missed chances to extend their lead.

Wrexham: Michael Jones, Graham Roche, Simon Spender, Gareth Evans, Jim Whitley (Kieran Quinn 67), Alex Smith (Mike Williams 57), Scott Green, Danny Williams (Matty Done 46), Levi Mackin, Jamie Reed, Marc Williams.
Subs: Liam Jones, Chris Evans.

Chester City: Wayne Brown, Darren Edmondson (Ian Latham 46), Danny Ventre, Luke Foster, Sean Hessey, Andy Harris, Sean Whalley, Mark Cadwallader, Kevin Rapley (Gavin Lynch 46), Darryn Stamp (darren Jones 88), Cortez Belle.
Subs: Ryan Brookfield, Kieran Deane.

Referee: Chris Sargenson (Staffs)
Attendance: 150
Away: 6

Booking -
Wrexham: Roche (foul 87)