Manager Parkinson (pictured above) told Chester FC TV: “Fuming. Really, really, really angry. I felt like the preparation has been really good for coming into a top game like this. The lads were primed. The intensity of what they’ve been doing has been excellent. The information that they’ve been taking on, I’ve been really pleased with.

“But, it comes down to individuals and individual abilities, and unfortunately for us, we’re just not where some of the South Shields players are.”

There was a promising start to the afternoon for Chester, with Nathan Woodthorpe and Declan Weeks having opportunities before Billy Waters opened the scoring.

Cedwyn Scott levelled for Shields prior to the interval, while second half strikes from Toby Onanaye and substitute Caden Kelly sealed the deal.

Parkinson added: “The clinicality that they showed in the top end of the pitch was the big difference and it’s something that we were very aware of, and we need to step up to that level, otherwise we won’t achieve our goals this season, and the players are very aware of that.

“I saw this as a bit of a benchmark game. We’ve come up short and question marks will be asked of ourselves.”

Marine, who visit Chester tomorrow, drew 1-1 with Oxford City.

Other results: Telford 2 Hebburn 2; Brackley 0 Radcliffe 1; Chorley 2 Buxton 3; Darlington 3 Spennymoor 0; Harborough 1 Worksop 1; Hednesford 2 Spalding 0; King’s Lynn 0 Southport 0; Macclesfield 1 Hereford 2; Merthyr 1 Morecambe 3; Scarborough 1 Bedford 2.

Substitute Kristian Dennis netted a late winner as Altrincham ended Yeovil’s six-match unbeaten run in the National League with a 2-1 victory at Huish Park. Leaders Boreham Wood powered on as they remain seven points clear after flooring Fylde 4-0.

Other results: Eastleigh 4 Boston 2; Harrogate 3 Sutton 1; Aldershot 0 Wealdstone 1; Hartlepool 2 Hornchurch 1; Scunthorpe 2 Woking 3; Solihull 1 Carlisle 2; Southend 2 Halifax 2; Kidderminster 1 Worthing 0.