JAN VAN DEVENTER has urged his in-form Chester side to capitalise on this weekend’s game in hand at home to Tynedale.

After seven wins from nine this term, Chester are currently fourth in National League Two North and can close to within four points of leaders Hull with a bonus-point victory in the rearranged clash.

Initially scheduled for late September, the original fixture was postponed at the north east side’s request following an outbreak of illness among their squad.

And with none of their league rivals in action, head coach Van Deventer has called for a big performance from his players at Hare Lane on Saturday.

He said: “We’re on a very good run right now and we feel the momentum is with us.

“We’ve got ourselves right among the division’s main title contenders and this is another great chance for us to leapfrog some of our rivals.

“So far we’ve proven that we belong at the top end of the table by beating the likes of Hinckley and Stourbridge and the fact that we were only denied a win at Hull by a score in added on time.

“It’s about belief now among the squad. I know we’re capable of challenging this season, but the players need to believe it too.

“We have played some excellent rugby - particularly at South Leicester last week - and that’s really set the standard for us going forward this season.

“We’ve got great competition among the squad now too and that’s a really big motivator for the guys here as well.”

Tynedale’s form has been patchy so far this term, but they head into this weekend’s game buoyed by a 31-29 home victory over Preston Grasshoppers last weekend.

And Van Deventer is wary of the attacking threat posed by the visitors, adding: “They play quite a fluid attacking brand of rugby like ourselves.

“From experience we know they have some real talent on the ball and that we’ll be tested by the qualities they’ll have out there on the pitch.

“But our home form has been excellent this year and has provided the platform for this good run we’re on.

“We’re out to protect that record at all costs and try to ensure we push the teams at the top all the way this season.”

Colin Campbell will skipper the hosts once more, while injured duo Andy Baston and Alick Croft miss out.

Harrison Vare, Tom Foden and Rik Cottrell are all available.