ANTHONY JOHNSON has billed Chester’s clash with Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough as an early ‘six-pointer’.

The former Football League rivals have both had their respective National league North promotion hopes hit by dips in form.

A run of just five points from their last seven fixtures has seen the Blues drop out of the play-off places, with Harriers just two points behind them in 10th place.

New Harriers boss Mark Yates is set to oversee his first game in charge tomorrow, and Blues joint-manager Johnson believes the game is vital for both clubs.

He said: “It’s huge.

"Both clubs have gone through a blip lately and are looking ath this game to try and half that run.

“It is a bit of a six-pointer in some ways because it’s a game that will push the winner back into those play-off places, which is where we both want to be.

"They’re a full-time side and going there always guarantees a tough game in this division.”

Johnson ranks the Blues 3-1 home victory over Harriers in September as one of their best performances this term.

A brace from substitute Matty Hughes and Anthony Dudley’s spot-kick earned the hosts a deserved three points after an impressive all-round display.

Johnson hopes his side can replicate that performance on Saturday to claim a much-needed win.

“We were excellent that night and got the win we deserved” he added.

“I don’t know why Kidderminster have fallen away this season, but there’s a new gaffer in place now and we know a lot of their lads will be out to impress.

"But that won’t change the way me and Bernard (Morley) set up. We don’t like to compromise our attacking style against anyone and we won’t on Saturday. Obviously we won't be too reckless and leave ourselves as open as we were against Curzon in a game where we got punished for leaving the back door open.”

Meanwhile Harriers boss Yates is relishing his return to the Aggborough dugout for his second spell in charge.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he told the National League website.

“It’s a fantastic club.The great thing is this isn’t a team in crisis down the bottom of the table. We’re very close to the play-offs and there’s so much to play for.

"We have lost our way a bit but there’s still a long way to go. It’s a 14-game mini season if you like - we’ve still got a great opportunity to do something.”

Strike duo Akwasi Asante and Anthony Dudley are set to return to boost the injury-hit Blues.