CHESTER returned to winning ways with a superb performance in front of their own fans as the Blues ran out 4-1 victors over play off rivals Boston United.

A miserable period for Chester had seen them lose three consecutive games and drop out of the play off places with hopes of promotion straight back to non league's top echelon seemingly put on hold.

But once Awasi Asante netted his seventh goal in five games half way through the first half the win was never in doubt as Chester added a second on the stroke of half time thanks to a brilliant Anthony Dudley strike before Craig Mahon and substitute George Waring wrapped things up after the break.

Chester began poorly, conceding possession to the visitors and struggling to get out of their box. After five minutes Boston thought they had a penalty shout but Jay Rollins' swan dive was so theatrical referee Matt Corlett had no choice but to show him a yellow card. Moments later the Pilgrims were unlucky not to take the lead when Gavin Allott advanced into the area and slammed a shot against the post with Grant Shenton well beaten.

The chance seemed to wake the lethargic Blues up and they created their first opportunity on 13 minutes when Matty Waters overlapped well and powered in a shot which was stopped at his near post by George Willis. From there the hosts began to look increasingly threatening with Mahon the next to be denied by Willis who parried his long range drive.

A goal looked on the cards and unsurprisingly it was Asante who obliged after Gary Robert's delightful clipped cross was glanced on by Steve Howson for the big Dutchman to bundle it on the line.

Despite the setback the visitors maintained the pressure and on the half hour they hit the woodwork again as Nicky Walker's low shot cannoned against the base of the post and away.

For the remainder of the half it was all Chester with Dudley in commanding form up front and benefitting from the space Asante's presence was affording him. On the stroke of half time the Salford loanee found a pocket 15 yards out and as Mahon's cross found him unmarked he hit a superb first time shot past Willis and into the top corner of the net.

Chester took Asante off at the break after the striker suffered a knock, but there was little impact on the Blues' momentum with Mahon and Dudley both going close and Shenton untroubled apart from a save from Spencer Harris' header.

Just after the hour Chester made the game safe with a deserved goal for Mahon who received Shenton's long punt up field on the left hand side of the area before unleashing a low shot on the angle which was deflected in by Harris.

A sense of relief enveloped the stadium and the Blues relaxed until Boston gave them a sharp wake up call when Ben Davies struck a fantastic direct free kick past Shenton who got a good hand to the shot but couldn't keep it out.

The shock worked and Chester went straight up the other end and restored their three goal advantage as Mooney outpaced the full back and put in a low cross which was headed in by Waring from close range for his first goal for the Blues who were able to take their foot off the gas during the closing and savour a vital and much-needed victory.