The FA Cup run, taking Easington Colliery to within clear sight of the first round for only the second time in their history, was a memorable jaunt for a side struggling in the top flight of the Albany Northern League.

Easington failed to clear the toughest of the jumps on a wet and wild afternoon at their exposed coastal ground.

But defeat against Nationwide Conference visitors Chester City was certainly no disgrace.

Now that the dream has ended they can concentrate on competitions in which they can be successful - and top of manager Wilf Constantine's hit list is a run in the FA Vase. Their next opponents are Clitheroe at home a week on Saturday.

He said: "We were never going to win the FA Cup but the FA Vase is something to aim for, along with the Durham Challenge Cup and the league cup."

Easington have enjoyed their mini glory run and Constantine added: "While it has been thoroughly enjoyable I am more relieved it is over because it was starting to get in the way of things - such as our league position and the FA Vase.

"We are disappointed but certainly not upset. It was nice to get this far in the competition but now we must go forward and get the league points we need."

Easington, one rung from the bottom of the Northern League's First Division, matched their opponents for effort but Chester had that litle bit of class when and where it mattered, particularly for the second goal.

It was not a Cup classic - the conditions made sure of that, although there was nothing wrong with the pitch.

Easington suffered the start they feared; the kind of start they had talked about avoiding. They let in Steve Whitehall from the right after seven minutes, his shot slithering under goalkeeper Steve Thompson's body. Whitehall nearly added a third, his diving header hitting a post close on time.

Constantine, celebrating a year in charge at Easington, said: "It was the last thing we wanted, the worst goal we have conceded this season."

With one goal separating the sides for such a long spell there was always a chance that Easington could snatch an equaliser. But their opportunities were limited - one corner which came to nothing and a free-kick on the hour which, under the conditions, Andrew Allen should have blasted from the edge of the box. But he tried to place his effort, which went wide.

Chester completed the job seven minutes from the end, Mark Beesley slipping the ball under the advancing Thompson to round off a neat left-wing move.

Chester boss Graham Barrow said: "We did a professional job but while it was 1-0 there was always a doubt in the back of your mind. But they never gave up and kept on running, just as you would expect."

Constantine added: "Our aim was to close them down as quickly as possible to try to stop them playing. In no way were we shown up and I think we did the club and the league proud.

"We have enjoyed being in the limelight. I certainly didn't want to lose by a margin of six or seven. The lads can feel proud of themselves."

Now it's back to reality - at home to Brandon in the Albany Durham Challenge Cup tomorrow night.