WHEN the fixtures were released last week, it was ‘no surprise’ to Harry White that Chester were handed an opening day trip to Solihull Moors.

The 22-year-old made the switch from Damson Park to the Swansway Chester Stadium at the start of the summer having grown frustrated by a lack of ambition at the part-time outfit, Blues boss Jon McCarthy moving to snap up Moors’ top scorer.

And there was almost an air of inevitability about the Blues being paired with Solihull on August 5 as the National League season begins, before home matches against Fylde and Halifax.

“I was expecting it to be honest! I wasn’t shocked, it’s how it tends to go,” said White, ahead of tonight’s friendly at Hyde United (7.45pm).

“I’ve spoken to a few of the lads down there already and I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a great game and I can’t wait to get going, it’s good to get it out of the way early, and I fancy us for it.”

The centre forward has started both of Chester’s pre-season wins so far, setting up Jordan Chapell for the opener in a 2-0 success at Flint Town United, having bagged his first Blues’ goal in the 5-1 victory at Runcorn Town, with a composed finish.

“I was buzzing with the goal,” he said. “Of course I care more about winning but to score is really, really nice in my first game.

“To see it hit the back of the net was a great feeling as it’s always good to get that first one out of the way. Hopefully there will be many more to come.

“Every club I’ve been at, I’ve not really experienced travelling support like this for pre-season games. I’ve not experienced fans like Chester fans before and to see them at friendlies is great, cheering us on.

“It gives you that momentum you need and they’ve been great so far.

“The first few games are always the hardest. At Runcorn it took me a lot longer to get my second wind than it normally would, but you get better and better, I felt better (at Flint) and hopefully (tonight) I’ll feel even better again.

“As for pre-season it’s the same for everyone, it’s something you’ve got to do. You work hard but you feel good after a session and keep improving everyday.”

White accepts McCarthy’s new-look side will be judged properly when the season begins next month, but added there is nothing wrong with getting in the winning habit in season.

“I know it’s pre-season and the result doesn’t always matter but we always want to win,” he added. “The lads have been great in both halves. The gaffer has switched it up in both halves of both games and both sets of teams have showed we can really put up a fight against anyone.

“The legs are feeling alright to be fair, I still know I’m not quite there yet, I need to get a lot fitter and I’ve been doing some work on my own as well as in training.

“There’s plenty to work on and that’s what pre-season is for. I’m looking forward to working at those things and hopefully getting better.”