Chester manager Anthony Johnson made his 2021 ambitions very clear following his side’s 3-0 victory over Telford at The Deva Stadium.

The Blues kicked off the new year in style as they beat the Bucks for the second time in a week, a win that leaves Johnson’s men sat third in the National League North table.

There was a clear reaction following the disappointing defeat against Chorley last time out, and the hosts found themselves ahead after eight minutes as Josh Askew netted his first goal for the club.

That’s how the scoreline stayed going into the break, but there was drama late on in the first period as Lee Vaughan saw red following a reckless tackle on Luke Clark.

Declan Weeks doubled the Chester lead 10 minutes into the second half before Anthony Dudley got his name on the scoresheet for the fifth successive game as he fired home to secure the points.

The joint manager pulled no punches when asked about his hopes and wishes for the new year.

“Promotion,” he said.

“Finish as high as we can in the league and win promotion.

“Forget budgets, forget who’s playing for free, forget what types of wages people are on, Chester should not be in this league.

“I’m not trying to put anybody else down, I’m not trying to big us up, but teams like Chester shouldn’t be at this level of football.

“I don’t care about the budget; we’ve got to do everything we can to get out of this league. We’re talking about five months down the line, but it comes from concentrating on the next game, not May, not March, not April.

“Everyone knows how hard of a start we’ve had; I think we’ve had the hardest in the league in terms of the oppositions points per game but we’re just concentrating on what we’re doing.”

Johnson was left very pleased with his side’s performance as they overcame Telford, despite the red card.

“It’s a brilliant result in the end isn’t it, although we were 1-0 up, the sending off does change the game, let’s not pretend it didn’t,” said the joint manager.

“He’s been a top player Lee Vaughan, a really good player, but he’s just so aggressive and there’s a line. Clarkey’s nicked the ball and he’s gone over the top, but definite red.

“It was a massive game of transitions in the first half, just counter after counter. They had two or three really good chances where they overloaded the left side, which was disappointing.

“Second half was about understanding there would be a small storm to weather, it always happens, but when we get the ball, don’t force it. We’re winning 1-0, we’re at home, the chances will come, they’ll tire.

“In the end it could’ve been a lot more, but overall, we’ve got to be delighted with it.”

League leaders Gloucester once again dropped points as they were held 1-1 at Leamington, Fylde eased past Chorley 4-0, Kidderminster drew 1-1 with Hereford, as did Brackley and Kettering.