CHESTER head coach Jan Van Deventer says Saturday's home clash with Stourbridge is the perfect chance to recover from a ‘gutting’ defeat.

Title-chasing Hull Ionians kicked an added time penalty to inflict an agonizing 25-24 reverse last weekend after the visitors staged an impressive second half comeback in their National League Two North clash.

The defeat saw Chester slip to fifth in the standings with South African coach Van Deventer now targeting a winning return at Hare Lane.

He said: “It’s a tough run we’re on at the moment, and this is our third big test in as many weeks. We’ve shown already we can take on the best sides in this league and win. That’s a pleasing trait to have, but last week was very hard to take.

“After a slow start, we took a hold of the game in the second half and it felt as if we’d done enough to get over the line up there.

“But to lose in the manner we did was gutting and left us all feeling low and showed how fine the margins can be in this division.

“Stourbridge is a chance for us to put that disappointment of losing at Hull behind us, to pick ourselves up and make sure we do everything to bounce back in front of a home crowd. We know from experience that they’re a big side who will adopt a very direct and physical approach.

“Previously they’ve been strong at the scrummage and at set plays and I expect us to come up against those elements again.

“For us it’s important that we stick to the principles that have served us well this year.

“Getting our running game going with swift ball movements and sure handling is key, and if we can impose our style on the game then I’m sure we can tire Stourbridge out and capitalise on that.”

Chester have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash with hooker Andy Baston set for another starting berth after his brace of tries against Hull.

This weekend’s other league fixtures see Hull visit Fylde, while Hinckley head to Huddersfield.

South Leicester host Wharfedale, Leicester Lions travel to Macclesfield, Sedgley park entertain Peterborough Lions, Tynedale go to Otley while Preston Grasshoppers have home advantage against Sheffield Tigers.