Chester City, in the League Two relegation zone, shook Notts County by inflicting on them their ninth home defeat of the season and easily the worst.

Chester had not won on the road in their last 11 trips yet shortly into the second half found themselves - probably to their own amazement - two goals to the good.

The first came against the run of play after Notts had dominated the early stages.

A right-wing corner, taken by the injured Laurence Wilson, flicked off the head of County midfielder Richard Butcher and fell invitingly to David Mannix, unmarked, to score with ease.

Before the goal Phil Picken had twice gone close for Notts, one effort being saved by John Danby and the other hitting the sidenetting.

But the easiest Notts chance came two minutes after Chester's goal and should have been put away by Delroy Facey, who ballooned the ball over from six yards.

Notts also felt strongly that they should have had a penalty moments before half-time, when Matt Hamshaw appeared to be held back in the box.

Chester's second goal, four minutes after the break, was an even messier affair than the first.

The normally reliable Jamie Clapham failed to clear his lines, allowing Paul Rutherford to nip in and though his shot might well have crossed the line, Ryan Lowe made no mistake with a simple tap-in.

Lowe almost hit a second with a delightful looping volley and it was 30 minutes into the second half before Notts seriously threatened.

Then Picken crashed a shot against the crossbar, the ball was pushed away by Danby and substitute Sean Canham, with half a chance, failed to convert.

Chester lost Danby to a shoulder injury in the closing stages, Lowe having to go in goal and despite seven minutes of added time, the visitors held on to send the travelling fans wild with delight.