Chester caretaker boss Calum McIntyre opted to give youth a chance by blooding six of the club's academy graduates in their 3-1 defeat against Maidstone United.

Here's how the Blues players rated:

ANDY FIRTH: At fault with the second goal and had a shaky afternoon by his standards. 4

MATTHEW THOMSON: Looked nervous early on but grew into the contest. Encouraging. 6

JAMES JONES: At fault for the penalty but another decent afternoon’s work for the academy graduate. 6

RYAN ASTLES: Always up for a battle and scrapped well with Turgott, who ultimately had too much pace for the defence to handle. 5

JORDAN GOUGH: Solid option at left back but too often goes long when in possession. 6

ANDY HALLS: Produced a good midfield display, tough tackling and keeping possession. 7

TOM CRAWFORD: Important the Blues keep hold of the teenage midfield next season, after another assured display. 7

CAIN NOBLE: Marked his full debut with a dream goal and put himself about in the middle-third. 7

CRAIG MAHON: Quiet first-half but came alive when he got more space down the right wing and delivered a lovely cross for Noble’s goal. 6

NATHAN BROWN: Lively, incisive attacker who looks a real talent moving forward. 6

JAMES AKINTUNDE: Was excellent at Boreham Wood but below-par here, with a lack of movement at key moments. 5

SUBSTITUTIONS

JORDAN ARCHER: On for Akintunde but couldn’t force a goal. 5

RHIAN HELLAWELL: Put himself about after being introduced for the injured Halls. 6

Maidstone: Worgan 7, Hare 7, Finney 6, Wynter 4, Loza 5 (Prestedge 45), Lewis 7, Anderson 6, Nana-Twumasi 5, Turgott 8, Coker 7 (Wraight 59), Phillips 7 (Reason 85); Subs: Paxman, Wraight, Luer.