CHESTER are in a ‘four-horse race’ for promotion this season, according to Jan Van Deventer.

A fiercely-competitive National League North Two season has produced a thrilling title run-in, with Chester currently level on points with leaders Hull Ionians.

Just behind them are Huddersfield, who sit ominously in third, with Fylde occupying fourth spot.

And head coach Van Deventer believes the battle for a top-two finish will go the distance this term.

He said: “It’s so tight this year. Right now it’s a four-horse race but you could even see a couple more teams come into contention if results go their way.

“It’s been that kind of season - everyone’s capable of putting a little run together, picking up points and climbing the table.

"Finding the consistency you need, particularly in your away games is vital because this division is just so unpredictable.

“It’s great that we’re challenging at the right end but there will be a few more twists and turns before the end of the season I’m sure.”

After a thrilling last-gasp draw at Stourbridge last weekend, Chester face another away test at Hinckley on Saturday.

The sixth-placed Leicestershire club lost for the first time at home last weekend and although Chester enjoyed a routine 19-0 victory in the reverse fixture last October Van Deventer is adamant their opponents cannot be underestimated.

“They’re a very similar side to Stourbridge in a lot of respects, with a powerful scrum and the fact they’re so strong in the first phase”, he added.

“But it’s vital that we take the positives out of the Stourbridge game with us.

“We’ll need to show the same battling qualities as last weekend against another good side because the pressure is on to keep ourselves in contention heading into the final two months of the season.”

Hooker Alick Croft and winger Craig Ross are Chester’s only injury doubts for the clash.

Hull and Huddersfield both have home advantage against South Leicester and Wharfedale respectively.

Basement side Peterborough Lions head to Tynedale, Sheffield Tigers host Sedgley Park, while Preston Grasshoppers visit Macclesfield.