Playing at home against Darlington in round two of the Knockout Cup, the Cestrians took the honours despite being without several key players.

This game was won in the first half as Chester used their pace to get in behind a strong, physical Darlington side. After ten minutes Natalie Gutteridge raced onto Rae Taylor's through ball to give the hosts a lead.

Then two goals in three minutes gave Chester a three-goal advantage, Gutteridge turning provider for Laura Darmody to loop a shot over the Darlington keeper and then Vikki Ryder hitting a long range effort following a neat lay off.

The game was put beyond doubt when Rachel Weightman rounded off a neat move to make it 4-0. Darlington scored through Natalie Ranham with Chester-le-Street keeper Alison Beele motionless on the floor following a collision.

The second half brought Natalie Gutteridge's second goal of the game and bookings for Rachel Young of Chester-le-Street and Natalie Ranham of Darlington as the game got physical.

Chester-le-Street beat Lumley 3-0 in the Intermediate Division with goals from Suzanne Falconer, Laura Gibbon and Brogan Prudhoe.

This Sunday Chester-le-Street again have a home double header with the Development team playing Blyth at 11am while the first team take on Saltburn at 2pm. Both games are at Moor Park.

Other results: South Durham Royals 1 Carlisle United 0, Durham City 8 Horden 0, Rutherford Ravens 3 Cleaton Moor 1, Saltburn 4 Boldon 3, Crook Town 14 Northallerton 0, Blyth Spartans 0 Killingworth 1.

Intermediate League: Chester le street Development 3 Lumley Development 0, Marton Development 0 v Blyth Town Development 2.