Chester's return to National League North action yielded a spirited 2-2 draw at promotion rivals King's Lynn Town.

The Blues, who were fresh from an enforced two-week fixture-break, came close to ending the hosts' imperious 13-month unbeaten home record before Adam Marriott's fine 77th minute equaliser secured a point.

King's Lynn were ahead after just two minutes at The Walks when Chester stopper Russ Griffiths skewed an attempted clearance from George Glendon's backpass.

The ball landed at the feet of Marriott, who advanced before firing into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Despite creating the better chances for the remainder of the half, Town were unable to extend their lead before the break.

Chester were back on terms within 11 minutes of the restart when centre-back Simon Grand converted at close range from Matty Hughes' drilled low ball across the face of goal.

Buoyed by their leveller, Chester took the lead on 63 minutes when Blues top scorer Akwasi Asante coolly slotted home his 12th goal of the season from Brad Jackson's cross.

But the Linnets hit back with 13 minutes remaining, with Marriott chesting down an aerial ball before swivelling and firing a well-struck effort beyond Griffiths.

Despite chances for both sides in the lively closing stages, neither could conjure a winner.

The result kept second-placed Chester a point ahead of their Norfolk rivals, with York City continuing to set the pace in the division.