Youth team boss Tony Philliskirk is under no illusions to the task Chester FC pose as they prepare to face them in the first round of the FA Youth Cup tomorrow night (7.30pm kick off).
Philliskirk’s side have been plagued by injuries over the last couple of weeks with several of his second year scholars ruled out.
However, despite Chester FC’s part-time status, Philliskirk admits his side will have to be at their best to come away with the victory.
"We are under no illusions that it can be a real banana skin for us. Chester have got a really good youth system.
“In the last round they were four or five up before half time and they were impressive so it’s going to be a tough game for us."
Philliskirk’s men tasted success in the Youth Alliance Cup last season, beating MK Dons 4-0 in the final at SportsDirect.com Park and he is hoping his new crop of players don’t freeze under the floodlights.
“There will be a lot of players out there who will be playing on the first team pitch for the first time so we hope they can rise to the occasion and it doesn’t get to them,” he said.
“We will encourage them, play to our strengths and it will be a great experience playing for them on the main pitch.”