CHESTER'S winning run in pre-season came to an end as the Blues went down 3-2 to Buxton at The Silverlands stadium.

The Blues had registered three successive victories since losing their opening friendly against Radcliffe but Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's men came unstuck against Northern Premier League Premier Division side Buxton.

Chester made a lively start and John Johnston twice went close to giving the visitors the lead, seeing a shot brilliantly saved by ex-Blues stopper Grant Shenton before hitting the crossbar.

Danny Elliott couldn't keep a header down but Chester found themselves trailing in the 39th minute as Buxton went 1-0 up.

A cross found James Hurst at the far post and the former Wrexham man's effort was deflected into the net.

But the lead didn't last long as Chester equalised at the start of the second half.

A throw-in on the left found Elliott, and his low drive was converted by George Waring from close range.

However, Buxton reclaimed the lead in the 56th minute.

Blues defender Simon Grand was adjudged to have fouled Reece Styche inside the area and the striker sent Louis Gray the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 2-1.

Going behind did not bother Chester who equalised for a second time just three minutes later.

Waring turned provider for Elliott this time, the frontman racing onto a through ball before beating Shenton.

The joint Chester bosses began to ring the changes and the Blues came close to going ahead for the first time in the game after 72 minutes but Elliott headed over the woodwork from Kevin Roberts' cross.

Gray pulled off a superb save to deny Diego De Girolamo but Buxton scored what turned out to be the winning goal on 85 minutes.

Styche made room on the edge of the box and fired into the bottom corner with the aid of a deflection to grab his second goal of the game.

Chester: Gray, Morgan (K Roberts 67), Livesey, Grand, Taylor (Trialist E 76), Johnston, Glendon (Trialist D 67), Trialist A (Trialist F 77), Dudley (Trialist B 46), Elliott (Goodwin 77), Waring (Trialist C 64).

SCORERS: Hurst 39, Styche (pen) 56 & 85; Waring 48, Elliott 59.