There was to be no Great Escape for City as their proud 69 year League membership came to an end with this home defeat.

A goal on 64 minutes from Posh substitute Richard Hanlon condemned City to relegation on goal difference from Carlisle United. In truth Chester never looked like winning, though a draw would have been a fair result.

Despite the Blues playing the better football in the first early chances for Carl Heggs and Steve Finney were blocked. In fact it was the visitors who came closest to opening the scoring with Gareth Jellyman hitting the post following a corner.

With the midfield totally innefective Atkins soon replaced Steve Finney with Darren Moss. Neil Fisher joined Moss in midfield and City competed a lot more.

City had a glorious chance to take the lead on 45 minutes. Tony Hemmings was put clean through on goal but he scuffed his right foot shot wide of the left hand post.

Chester failed to create any chances of note after the break as nerves took hold and it was no surprise when Hanlon, who'd only been on the pitch a couple of minutes, rifled home from 25 yards out.

City responded with a Hemming's free-kick that was well saved low down, and Darren Wright's clever lob was almost met by Luke Beckett. And in the dying minutes, with most of the crowd celebrating thinking that Exeter had equalised against Shrewsbury, Paul Carden's long range effort was tipped onto the bar by the agile Tyler.