IT wasn’t the start to 2024 that Chester were looking for.

Calum McIntyre’s Blues suffered a 1-0 loss away to Warrington Town yesterday, but they’re still clinging on to a spot in the National League North play-off spots.

An early Josh Amis strike settled it for the side managed by former Chester striker Mark Beesley (pictured right).

McIntyre said he was “beyond angry” with a display he ranked as the worst since he took charge of the side.

He told Chester FC TV: “We’ve not defended with any structure, any know-how and to cap it off, we’ve got away with a couple of bits during the game and if we’re going to concede a goal... the three errors, if we’re honest, that build up to the first goal after three minutes, we’re going to lose games.

“So, I am beyond angry, disappointed and stunned with the lack of a performance in a game like this, on New Year’s Day, after the run that we’ve been on.”

Despite a seventh league loss of the campaign, things remain positive for Chester, who are just four points adrift of third-placed Chorley.

Other results: Brackley 3 Banbury 1; Boston 2 King’s Lynn 0; Buxton 1 Alfreton 2; Hereford 1 Gloucester 1; Southport 0 Curzon Ashton 3.