MATTY HUGHES has warned Chester's National League North rivals not to underestimate the Blues.

Under management duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley the Blues are starting to find their feet, highlighted by a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Chester are up to ninth in the table as a result of their fine league form, which saw them inflict a first defeat of the season on Kidderminster Harriers eight days ago.

Hughes, who scored twice in the win over Kidderminster, believes the Blues showed that they are finally gelling as a team after a summer of big change.

"We are six games unbeaten and it's been a good run," said Hughes. "Morale in training amongst the players is top drawer.

"The team was completely brand new at the start of the season, and although a few players knew each other, it was always going to take time to gel.

"Know we have started to come together as a team it is up to us now to kick on and get even better."

Hughes, who played in Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup second qualifying round success over City of Liverpool, believes results like the one gained against Kidderminster prove the Blues can compete with the best the National League North has to offer.

"We needed that win against Kidderminster," said Hughes, who heads back to former club Chorley with the Blues on Saturday.

"That kind of win has been coming and it was a really good team performance. Some of the defending was superb and we scored three goals, which is always good."

A sluggish start to the campaign, which was disrupted by postponements as a result of severe water damage to the Swansway Stadium, saw Chester win just one of their first five outings.

It has left the Blues some 14 points off top spot and playing catch up, something Hughes isn't fazed by.

"The pressure is on those teams at the top," added the striker, who is pleased to be up and running in the goal scoring charts after his brace in the Blues last league outing.

There was a suggestion that Hughes' opener against Kidderminster might have been an own goal, but the 26-year-old said: "It's always good to score and it's nice to get my first goals of the season.

"It's always on my mind to score. The own goal stuff came from the manager, but it was mine.

"I like to pop up with goals, but the big thing is winning matches and hopefully we can continue our good run of form."