CHESTER boss Steve Watson has been praising the club's younger players ahead of a tricky few days.

A tough week is in store for the Blues, starting with Saturday's trip to Boston United.

The Pilgrims occupy the final play-off berth as things stand and they are nine points ahead of Chester.

Then, next Tuesday evening, the Blues welcome Kevin Wilkin's Brackley Town.

After last weekend's disappointing last gasp 4-3 loss at Curzon Ashton, Watson told the Blues' YouTube channel: "You know, we had a lot of good young players out on the pitch, which is good.

"I know a lot of them aren't ours, but there's some good young players out there today and they were the ones that really stood out.

"I thought Harrison Burke done great for his debut.

"You've got two 19, 20-year-old centre halves there.

"Really good for the future of the club.

"Rob Apter's dangerous again today.

"Okera looked dangerous again today.

"Marcus (Dackers) probably found it a little bit difficult today his first start, maybe give him a bit more of an idea of what football's like at this level, but as far as the others are concerned, the senior lads, they really do need to drive us forward now."

Watson added: "We're playing well and I think the fans that came today, who were outstanding... I think they can see what we're trying to do, but football's about results so I'm not kidding myself.

"It doesn't matter how well we play, it's a results driven business and we can't win games conceding goals like we are."

Leaders Gateshead will be aiming to maintain their three-point advantage as they head to York City tomorrow, while second-placed Brackley host lowly Farsley Celtic.

Fellow title chasers AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers also have home advantage tomorrow, versus Curzon Ashton and Gloucester City respectively.

AFC Telford United, who thrashed Darlington 5-0 last weekend, can climb off the bottom with a positive outcome at home to Bradford Park Avenue.

Other fixtures: Alfreton Town v Spennymoor Town; Chorley v Hereford; Darlington v Kettering Town; Leamington v Blyth Spartans; Southport v Guiseley.