BERNARD MORLEY insists it’s not all doom and gloom at The Deva, writes SHAUN DAVIES.

Morley told the club’s website after Tuesday’s last-ditch 3-2 win over Gloucester City: “I keep saying it, are we good enough to win the league? No. Are we good enough to be in the play-offs at the minute? No.

“We’re only four points off the play-offs tonight.

“All the negatives that have been thrown at us, all the doubts, we walk away with three points tonight and look forward to Saturday.”

Next up in National League North for Chester is a trip to Southport tomorrow.

It’s another decent chance for the Blues to pick three points in this North West encounter, with Southport currently occupying a spot in the relegation zone.

After eight games played, Southport have only managed one league victory and they are a point adrift of safety.

“We always know we take 4-500 to Southport,” added Morley. “It’s two big football clubs.”

Former Chester and Wrexham defender Sean Newton insists that whoever finishes ahead of AFC Fylde will win the title this season.

“Nothing is won in the first few months, we know that,” insisted Newton.

“A few seasons ago we were unbeaten through October and then we fell to third or second for a while,” said Newton, now captain at York City, who beat Chester 1-0 a week ago.

“Fylde are flying and I think if you finish above them you definitely win the league.

“But they’ll definitely have a bad spell and we’ve hopefully had our spell now.

“We’re starting to get players back fit which makes the squad stronger, even just to have players back on the bench.

“Hopefully we can get everyone back fit and raring to go for the Christmas period, which is massive.

“That’s crucial for everyone.”

York host Blyth Spartans while AFC Fylde, who are four points clear at the top, entertain Gateshead.

Tomorrow’s other fixtures: AFC Telford v Curzon Ashton; Alfreton v Bradford PA; Boston v Hereford; Brackley v Gloucester; Chorley v Farsley; Darlington v Guiseley; Kidderminster v Spennymoor; Leamington v Kettering.

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