TOM Peers scored a hat-trick for Chester to send Oxford City back into the Vanarama National League North relegation zone.

The hosts opened the scoring after 13 minutes, pinching the ball from Tom Scott and getting it through to Peers, who finished past Jonathan Macaulay in the Hoops goal.

Peers almost went through again soon after, this time when Jalen Jones lost the ball, but Peers saw his effort crash back off the post.

The Hoops searched for an equaliser and came close when Josh Parker sent a header inches over the crossbar from Josh Ashby’s corner.

The Blues doubled their lead six minutes before the break though, as Peers received the ball on his chest, turned and then smashed an effort into the corner of the goal.

READ ALSO: Win a framed photo signed by the 1966 World Cup-winning team

City pulled a goal back seven minutes into the second period, when Jones powered in a header from Lewis Coyle’s corner.

The Hoops pushed for a leveller, with Zac McEachran beating two defenders, however his shot didn’t have the power to beat Manchester United loanee Elyh Harrison in the Chester goal.

With five minutes to go, City were caught on the break and conceded a crucial third.

Dylan Mottley-Henry sent a cross to the back post, where Peers was waiting to tap in and complete his hat-trick.

The Hoops are 21st in National League North, shy of safety due to goal difference.

City host 19th-placed Farsley Celtic on Saturday afternoon.