CHESTER face the sternest test yet of their National League Two title credentials at Sedgley Park this weekend, according to head coach Jan Van Deventer.

The resurgent Hare Lane club face-off against top-five opposition for a third successive week and are buoyed by superb wins over Fylde and Huddersfield.

Those results have lifted Van Deventer’s side to joint top of the table, with leaders Hull Ionians ahead on their superior wins record.

Now they test themselves against an in-form Park side on a six-game winning streak and who retain an outside chance of promotion.

Van Deventer is relishing the Sedgley clash, saying: “It’s a massive game for us and probably our most difficult game of the season so far.

“For five or six years Sedgley have been up at the right end of the table competing, so it’s no surprise to see them up there now.

“They’re flying and are finishing the season so strongly that they’ll be confident of turning us over.

“But we have to embrace the game for what it is and look after our own performance.

“The boys have delivered some big performances and come through these last few weeks with some outstanding performances.

“Our run-in is as tough as it gets, but we keep producing in these big games.

“I expect Saturday to be our toughest game yet. It’ll be two in form sides giving it everything from the start.”

Van Deventer has had to utilise his full squad in recent weeks, with injuries taking a steady toll on his selection options.

But the South African has been delighted with the quality shown by the replacements he has drafted in.

“We had four key players out against Huddersfield, which is never ideal,” he added.

“But one of our biggest strengths this season is the depth of quality we have within the squad.Whoever comes in and takes the shirt is seizing the opportunity, so we’re in a very strong position right now.”

Mike Craven, Macc Van Sertima and Craig Ross are expected to return for the visitors, while George Baxter misses out.

Hull will look to retain top spot with a win at Macclesfield, while third-placed Fylde visit Huddersfield.

Relegated Peterbrough Lions head to Sheffield Tigers, while South Leicester must win at Otley to boost their slim survival chances.

Leicester Lions host county rivals Hinckley, Wharfedale visit Tynedale, and Preston Grasshoppers entertain Stourbridge.