The Blues left it late as they won 1-0 at Brackley Town, keeping the side within sight of the play-off spots.

With two minutes left, Connor Woods (pictured) held his nerve to score the winner from the spot after George Burroughs was fouled.

As well as the late goal, Brackley also had O’Shea Ellis and Ewan Williams, and manager Parkinson told Chester FC TV: “What it must be to be a Chester fan watching us do that!

“Last 10 minutes again, fourth or fifth game now. So, great character from the players.

“We should have been out of sight at half time. I thought we played some really good stuff in the first half.

“Second half, it was a little bit scrappy and then the sendings off change the momentum of the game.

“Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t and, yeah, we got the win and that’s what you need to do.”

Ahead of the match, Chester announced the signing of striker Noah Bell from Crewe Alex on a 28-day loan deal.

Parkinson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Noah Bell to Chester FC on a youth loan from Crewe Alexandra.

“Noah is a modern-day centre forward with physicality beyond his years and a proven goalscoring record at every level.”

Other results: AFC Telford 2 Spalding 1; Chorley 1 Hereford 2; Hednesford 6 Morecambe 2; King’s Lynn 2 Spennymoor 0; Merthyr 4 Hebburn 1; Scarborough 2 Buxton 2; South Shields 5 Southport 1.