Chester's relegation from the National League is all-but confirmed after suffering an utterly gutless defeat at home to Torquay United.

Both struggling clubs needed a victory to try and claw their way out of danger, but this result was only ever heading in one direction after on-loan Cardiff striker Rhys Healey fired the Gulls into a third minute lead.

Elliott Romain doubled their advantage just after the hour mark and Marcus Bignot's side were reduced to 10-men just a minute later as Lucas Dawson was stupidly sent off for two quick bookings, just three minutes apart.

There was a lack of fight and, in some cases, effort from some of the Blues' players in what was a miserable display which leaves them 10 points adrift of safety with just six games left. Relegation could be confirmed as soon as next weekend.

Chester were met with boos at full-time and the club's hierarchy must now decide who they want to take the Blues forward next season, with this performance having done nothing to help Bignot's position.

Bignot opted to make three changes to the side who fought valiantly but were ultimately beaten 3-2 at Sutton United, with Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Craig Mahon and Dawson restored to the line-up ahead of Myles Anderson, Dom Vose and Tom Crawford, the 18-year-old having looked jaded in his past two appearances.

Gulls full-back Liam Davis had the first meaningful attempt as he volleyed well wide from 20 yards, but just three minutes in the visitors grabbed the advantage.

Conrad Balatoni’s hopeful punt down the wing found Healey in space on the right-hand side of the area and he lashed the ball past Andy Firth from an acute angle, on his first start for the Gulls. Firth should be disappointed he didn’t keep it out as the shot was straight at him at his near post.

To their credit, Chester didn’t let their heads drop and rallied manfully, with Rowe-Turner looking the most threatening outlet down the left flank. He cross found Harry White eight yards out but his header was too tame and saved by Vincent Dorel.

The Gulls were almost two-ahead on 22 minutes but James Jones produced a vital last-ditch tackle to block Healey’s effort which was goalbound.

Neat interplay between James Akintunde and White earned the Blues a free-kick, but Dawson’s curling effort was comfortably held by Dorel. Gary Roberts crunched into two meaty challenges which at least gave the Blues faithful something to cheer.

White’s penalty claims were waved away on 25 minutes after being tripped by Josh Gowling, as both struggling teams looked nervous defensively.

White caused alarm for his own defence with a poor headed clearance which nearly looped into his own net, before Davis’ blocked on Ryan Astles almost caught Firth out at his near post.

The Blues thought they’d levelled on the 40-minute mark as White’s rising drive from 12 yards was superbly tipped over the bar by Dorel to preserve his side’s lead.

From the resulting corner the ball broke to Andy Halls 20 yards out and his fierce strike zipped wide of goal as the Blues went into half-time a goal down.

The second-half began in slow fashion, with Chester showing a worrying lack of urgency to get back into a game they simply needed to win, so Vose was introduced for Mahon.

On-loan Bournemouth right-back Shaun Hobson did very well to block Romain’s close-range shot on the line after Brett Williams had drilled across a dangerous ball.

Hobson then stupidly lost the ball in the left-hand corner allowing Luke Young the chance to cross but Astles hacked clear.

This was desperate stuff from Chester and a wasted corner routine between Roberts and Halls summed up their frustrations.

A calamitous three-minute period saw the Blues faint survival hopes completely evaporate.

Firstly, Dawson was cautioned for a pull-back on Young although the midfielder was played into all kinds of trouble by Rowe-Turner, who three times surrendered possession inside 25 seconds.

From the resulting free-kick, Firth made a superb save to prevent Rowe-Turner heading into his own net and was on hand moments later to keep out Davis’ strike with a strong hand.

From the resulting corner, Romain ghosted into the six-yard box and head home unmarked to the delight of the travelling Torquay supporters. It really was abysmal defending from the hosts.

What followed was at best daft, at worst brainless. Torquay’s Davis had possession on halfway and was needlessly kicked off the pitch by Dawson, giving referee Paul Marsden no option but to brandish a second yellow card. Dawson was booed off by sections of the Blues crowd and who can blame them?

Davis was heavily involved all game and should have buried a chance to make it three on 73 minutes, before Jordan Archer’s first touch off the bench saw him hit the upright with a volley from Roberts’ inswinging corner.

Astles was cautioned for a challenge on Romain and in truth, Torquay could have extended their lead at will but took their foot off the gas to preserve their legs for the run-in.

The Gulls now have a slim chance of getting out of the bottom four, but Chester will definitely be playing National League North football next season.

Chester: Firth 7, Hobson 5, Jones 6, Astles 5, Rowe-Turner 1, Dawson 1, Halls 5, Roberts 6 (Cunningham 78), Mahon 5 (Vose 53), White 5 (Archer 72), Akintunde 4. Subs: Jaaskelainen, Crawford.

Torquay United: Dorel 7, Davis 8, McGinty 6, Gowling 6, Young 6, Barnes 7, Romain 7, Balatoni 6, Healey 7 (Keating 79), Lemonheigh-Evans 6, Williams 7 (Reid 69); Subs: Clarke, Efete, Klukowsk.

Referee: Paul Marsden – 7/10

Attendance: 1,830