CHESTER face another two weeks without a National League North game in what has been one of the most disruptive starts ever in the history of both the old and the reformed Blues.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side lost three home matches - Kidderminster, FC United of Manchester and Hereford - due to severe water damage to the Swansway Stadium.

And now the Blues have seen their trip to York, scheduled for October 20, postponed due to the home side’s FA Cup involvement.

Chester were already without a match this weekend after Nuneaton postponed their visit due to international call-ups, meaning the next National League fixture takes place on Saturday, October 27.

The Cheshire Senior Cup clash with Witton Albion on October 23 is their next game, however, with joint boss Johnson urging his side to use their cup exit as a catalyst for league success.

Chester bowed out of the FA Cup at the third qualifying round stage as Dunston - the lowest ranked team left in the competition - recorded a 4-3 home win.

Johnson said: “We are on a brilliant run of league form and the challenge now is to make sure the Dunston result doesn’t kill the momentum. Setbacks like this serve as a reminder that we will get beaten if we’re not fully focused or playing our best football.

“Everyone’s disappointed now of course, but it’s a case of all hands on deck now for the next game and the league campaign after that.

“This break at least gives us an opportunity to get bodies back and gives us the opportunity to work on things that need improvement.”

It’s Marcus Bignot’s Guiseley versus Kevin Wilkin’s Brackley this afternoon in a battle of the former Blues and Reds managers.

Bignot is joint Lions boss with Russ O’Neill, who praised Wilkin for the work he’s done at Brackley.

“It’s a real tough game,” said O’Neill. “Brackley are a good team. They’ve been pushing for the last three or four seasons to get up and they’ve been unlucky not to go up.

“Kevin Wilkin does a great job, so we are anticipating a tough game.”

Leaders Chorley visit Telford knowing victory could extend their seven-point lead at the top with second placed Kidderminster heading to Bradford PA, in third.

Rock-bottom FC United host Darlington, Southport entertain York and Stockport face Hereford, while Blyth visit Boston, Alfreton head to Altrincham, Leamington welcome Curzon Ashton and Ashton travel to Spennymoor.