THE response of the Chester players in midweek pleased manager Steve Watson - and he will be looking for more of the same tomorrow.

Following on from Tuesday's 1-1 draw with title-chasing Brackley Town, there's another match at the Deva Stadium for the Blues, with Southport the visitors.

Chester were excellent against Brackley, following on from a very poor showing in a 4-0 hammering at Boston United last weekend.

On the reaction of the players, Watson told the club's YouTube channel: That's all you can ask for.

"When you've had a bad result, the players can do one of two things.

"They can sulk and feel sorry for themselves or they can puff their chests out and go and put on a performance and I think everybody that was at the game would agree that they did that.

"That's the standard that if we can stick to and not be so erratic, as in one week be like that and the next week be like Boston, if we can stick with the standard like that or even just below it, we'll be able to match any team."

Another tough task is in store for Chester, with Southport in a play-off spot, while the Blues are down in 16th.

"They've had a great season," said Watson on Southport.

"I knew when we played them earlier in the season for York - they were quite far down the league at that stage, but I did say in my interview afterwards I can't see them staying there.

"And they've had a great run since then."

As the race for the National League North title hots up, leaders Gateshead and second-placed Brackley Town both find themselves on 51 points.

The match of the day sees Gateshead at home to fifth-placed AFC Fylde, who are just seven points back, while Kevin Wilkin's Brackley head to Gloucester City.

Victory for Boston United at Hereford will keep them in a play-off berth and AFC Telford United are aiming to keep their revival going at Curzon Ashton.

Other fixtures: Blyth Spartans v York City; Bradford PA v Alfreton Town; Farsley Celtic v Chorley; Guiseley v Darlington; Kettering Town v Leamington.