MATTY HUGHES still hopes to right the wrongs of last year by finishing the National League North season on a high.

Twelve months ago Hughes had just started running as he attempted to battle back from an ACL injury, which had required an operation.

Hughes returned in time to take part in Chester’s pre-season and the 2020/21 National League North campaign was on track for the attacker only for the coronavirus pandemic to force a suspension.

The National League advised clubs to vote in favour of ending the season immediately, with the 68 teams then left to decide how best to finalise the standings - something they still have to decide on after officially ending the season this week.

But Hughes, who was forced to watch as Chester missed out on the play-offs last season, thinks this year’s end of season lottery should take place.

“I want to end on a high,” declared Hughes. “I missed out on last season and we’ve got a miles better squad this season, which could go on and do good things.

“I didn’t even think about the fact that I was injured this time last season. I don’t think I’ve completed a season in two years, it feels like I can’t see anything through!

“I’d definitely take this position - being 100 per cent fit and healthy - to last season when I was injured.”

Hughes, like the majority of his Chester team-mates, sees his current deal expire on May 2.

Hughes is simply focused on getting the season done, however possible.

“I’m not bothered about things like contracts,” he said. “I’m not sure whether they’d be month-to-month contracts if we continued, but I’m concentrating on finishing the season.

“Contract issues have crossed my mind, but there are much bigger things going on at the moment.

“Football’s been taken away from us at the moment and it’s a strange time for everyone.

“Everything has just come to a screeching halt and it’s strange because no-one has ever been in this position before.

“Nobody knows what’s going on, but everyone is in the same boat.”

When the season was suspended indefinitely, the Blues were seventh with games in-hand on four of the teams above them.

Hughes felt like he was playing his role in the promotion push.

“I thought my form was alright, I just don’t score!” said Hughes. “I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been told I’m the Gary Stopforth of upfront, I do all the running and Akwasi scores the goals.

“I’m not bothered about that in the slightest though, I’ll happily run around all day long as long as we go up.”

For frontman Hughes, life currently consists of attempting to keep his three young daughters occupied and maintaining a fitness programme devised by the Blues strength and conditioning coach Chris Jones.

“It’s just about ticking over,” said Hughes. “We don’t know what’s going on or when we will be required to get back to training and playing, so we’ve got a week by week programme with different intensities and things like that.

“It’s boring, but it’s got to be done while we can play games or train with your mates.”