BOTH clubs needed a win for different reasons but Wrexham celebrated victory in what could be the last cross-border derby for the foreseeable future.

Wrexham's promotion push has been hindered by too many draws while Chester were desperate for three points to give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation.

It was game-on and Wrexham came out on top thanks to second half goals from Scott Quigley and Nicky Deverdics, registering the double over their arch rivals.

Although it was fiercely contested the first half won't be remembered as a classic as it was devoid of any real quality.

It was a scrappy affair with neither side looking like scoring, with Blues boss Marcus Bignot surely the happier of the two managers.

Chester, who had grown into the game, also began the second half brightly but when Wrexham took the lead in the 61st minute with on-loan striker Quigley's seventh goal in eight outings, there was only really going to be one outcome.

Nicky Deverdics soon made it 2-0 with his first goal for the club and Wrexham managed to see the game out.

It was a much needed win for Wrexham who had drawn nine times in their 12 game unbeaten run going into the contest, victory taking the Reds up to fourth place and still eight points behind leaders Macclesfield Town.

Dean Keates' men also set a club record by keeping a 20th league clean sheet of the season, a solid defence being the platform for the challenge for a top-seven finish.

As for Chester, relegation looms following this fourth successive defeat which leaves the Blues six points adrift of safety and running out of games.

There is still a lot to play for at both clubs and time will tell if they meet each other next season.

Both managers made two changes to the side that started their last game.

Wrexham, whose match at Ebbsfleet United the previous weekend was postponed due to the wintry weather, were without suspended left-back James after he picked up a 10th yellow card in the 2-2 draw with Aldershot Town a fortnight earlier.

David Raven was handed his first Reds' start in place of Jennings and Paul Rutherford was also preferred to Jonathan Franks on the right flank.

Blues boss Bignot, who managed to offload three players ahead of the derby in a bid to cut costs, was dealt a blow with midfielder Gary Roberts missing out through injury.

Lucas Dawson replaced Roberts while James Akintunde came into the attack for Harry White in the other change to the team that lost against 2-0 against Dover Athletic in midweek.

Wrexham made the early running and Chris Holroyd's shot was blocked in the area after he took down Kevin Roberts' cross, while Scott Quigley fired wide after the Reds took advantage of a misplaced pass.

But Keates had to shuffle the pack on 11 minutes with Manny Smith hobbling off injured. The fit-again Mark Carrington came on at left-back with Raven switching to the centre of defence.

More sloppy passing by Chester allowed Nicky Deverdics to feed Holroyd who laid off to Rutherford and the winger's effort was cut out by goalkeeper Andy Firth.

Chester had their first sight of goal after 14 minutes, Andy Halls whipped in a cross and Jordan Archer headed over from a good position.

Neither side had looked like scoring in the opening half-an-hour with the game lacking any real quality.

The Blues enjoyed a good spell of possession but Wrexham had a great opportunity to take the lead on the break in the 36th minute, Holroyd running into the area and finding Quigley who was unable to steer his header goalwards.

There was one final chance at the other end but Tom Crawford failed to connect properly with Akintunde's pass and it remained goalless at the break.

Chester made a lively start to the second half and almost took a 48th minute lead, Dawson's 25 yard drive superbly turned behind by Chris Dunn, who had been a virtual spectator before the interval.

The good spell from the visitors continued and Archer's effort squirmed past Dunn and out for a corner.

Wrexham responded well with Ryan Astles clearing off the line to deny Quigley and Sam Wedgbury's low effort was gathered by Firth.

The game had livened up and the Reds took the lead in the 61st minute.

Raven played the ball up to Quigley who turned and found the bottom corner with his effort from the edge of the area.

Wrexham had struggled to kill games off during their run of draws but the Reds scored a crucial second goal after 69 minutes.

Holroyd's shot deflected to Deverdics who slotted past Firth, the goal standing despite shouts for offside from the visitors.

Akil Wright was soon sent on for Deverdics and Simon Ainge replaced Rutherford in the closing stages as Wrexham sought to see out the game.

That they did, as Chester weren't allowed to claw their way back into the contest and Wrexham celebrated a derby win that they needed to maintain the promotion challenge.