Neil Critchley had warned that a change in fortune in front of goal for Ings was imminent following a frustrating few weeks for the striker - and the manager’s words rang true at the Swansway Chester Stadium.
By the 21st minute, the England international had netted three.
Ings opened the scoring in the first minute added two more stylish finishes in quick succession to put Liverpool in complete command.
Yan Dhanda then benefitted from Ings’ subtlety around the area when he latched onto a neat pass from the striker and clipped a shot beyond City goalkeeper Max O’Leary to make it 4-0 before the break.