Wrexham gave themselves renewed hope of avoiding relegation from the Football League with a valuable 2-0 victory over bitter rivals Chester.Goals from Paul Hall and Michael Proctor were enough for Brian Little's men to beat a Chester side who found their former goalkeeper Gavin Ward in inspired form.

The opener came after 22 minutes when Hall pulled away from his marker and, after being picked out by Proctor, fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

The home side should have drawn level just after the hour when Kevin Ellison had plenty of time and space, but saw his eight-yard effort superbly saved by Ward.

Chester's Chris Holroyd then had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside, and within seconds the struggling visitors doubled their advantage.

A long throw was allowed to bounce in the box and Proctor hooked a tremendous volley over his shoulder and past goalkeeper John Danby. Ward again denied Ellison with another fine save and Paul McManus shot just past the post as Wrexham hung on for victory.

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