CALUM MCINTYRE was left to reflect on a disappointing result and performance as Chester slipped out of the National League North play-off places.

The Blues’ poor start to 2024 continued as Rico Browne’s powerful header confirmed Rushall Olympic’s 1-0 success at the Leap76 Stadium.

Chester’s eighth loss of the campaign saw them drop into 10th position in the league.

Boss McIntyre told Chester FC TV: “Disappointing result first and foremost, particularly at home, somewhere where we’ve been so strong this season.

“Disappointing performance, that was worse in the first 45 minutes. The second half, I think we gave everything we had to give - and that isn’t enough at present - to get something out of the game.

“But, a disappointing performance. It will feel worse on the back of a disappointing performance last week.

“If we defend the set piece properly from an awful build-up... then we’re talking about a really poor performance where we get a nil-nil.

“But that isn’t the level we’ve set ourselves this season and it certainly can’t be the level we set moving forwards.”

In more positive news, Chester have announced that defender Harrison Burke has signed a two-and-half-year contract extension with the club.

This new deal will extend his stay into the summer of 2026.

National League North leaders Scunthorpe United were held to a 2-2 draw in their home meeting with Boston United.

This meant Tamworth returned to the top courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Buxton.

Other results: Alfreton 2 Chorley 0; Bishop’s Stortford 1 Blyth 3; Curzon Ashton 0 Farsley Celtic 0; Gloucester 2 Southport 2; King’s Lynn 0 Darlington 1; Scarborough 3 Hereford 0; South Shields 1 Warrington 1; Spennymoor 0 Brackley 1.