THREE has been the magic number from Chester’s perspective.

A crucial 3-0 win at home to Scarborough Athletic did the trick to send the Blues up to third spot in National League North.

Chester boss Calum McIntyre told Chester FC TV: “Very pleased with the result, a team that were above us at 3pm.

“We’ve been good in these type of games against the sides at the top end of the division. So, really, really pleased that we were able to get the result, first and foremost.

“Performance not quite identical, but very, very similar to seven days ago.”

Elliott Whitehouse scored from the spot after Scarborough captain Will Thornton handled the ball in the box. George Glendon doubled the lead midway through the second half and it was left to Tom Peers to complete the scoring.

McIntyre, who has signed Ben Tollitt (pictured) on loan from Oldham, added: “Very pleased for the players for reasons that I talk about most weeks and very pleased for the supporters, particularly the ones that will have been on the road Tuesday night at Peterborough Sports and perhaps not seen the result that they would have enjoyed. Yeah, very pleased all round.”

Tamworth have moved 12 points clear at the top following a pivotal weekend. They beat Farsley Celtic 1-0, while second-placed Scunthorpe lost 1-0 versus Curzon Ashton.

Other results: Darlington 0 Alfreton 2; Gloucester City 0 South Shields 5; Southport 3 Brackley 1; Warrington 0 Boston 0.