Darlington kept their promotion dreams alive thanks to Pawel Abbott's goal as they beat managerless Chester 1-0 at the Darlington Arena.But the lowly Blues - who sacked manager Bobby Williamson on Sunday after a run of just one win in 14 games - made the Quakers fight all the way for the points.

After dominating the early stages of the game with striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu firing against a post in the 23rd minute, Darlington took the lead in the 27th minute when Abbott headed in a right-wing cross from Julian Joachim that looped over the despairing dive of City keeper John Danby.

Goalkeeper David Stockdale had to be alert to keep out efforts from Kevin Ellison and Kevin Sandwith before the break as City searched for an equaliser.

The second half was a scrappy affair, although the visitors went close to an equaliser in the 73rd minute when Kevin Roberts headed a Tony Dinning cross over the bar.

And they went even closer four minutes from time when Darlington captain Steve Foster blocked a close-range shot from Chris Holroyd that looked destined for the back of the net.

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