CALUM MCINTYRE says his Chester side are coming up against “one of the best footballing sides in the division” tomorrow.

Blyth Spartans travel to the Deva Stadium this weekend and they currently sit a lofty fourth in National League North after winning five of their opening eight contests in the league.

With eight points from eight games, Chester are down in 16th position and they were beaten 2-1 at home by Hereford in midweek.

This brought an end to the Blues’ unbeaten start at home this season and McIntyre, pictured above, told Chester FC TV: “I’m well aware that start hasn’t been good enough.

“So, Saturday’s the next opportunity to try and turn that around and we’ve got to be ready to fight.”

Meanwhile, McIntyre has hailed frontman Charlie Caton as one of National League North’s top strikers.

On his return to the line-up, Caton made his mark with a key goal in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at high-flying Spennymoor Town.

Caton’s effort with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining looked to have set the Blues on course for victory, but this was cancelled out by a Will Harris goal on 87 minutes.

Blues’ boss McIntyre has been thrilled to see the former Shrewsbury Town attacker back out on the pitch.

McIntyre told Chester FC TV: “He’ll be massive for us.

“It’s been tough scoring... when probably one of the best number nines, if not the best number nine, in the division is in the stands, on the sidelines, because he’s injured.

“George Glendon comes back, gets an assist, makes a massive contribution in the last few games.

“Would you believe if we can get our full team there or thereabouts on the pitch, we will look stronger?

“And there’s more to come back.”

Leaders Scunthorpe United play host to Buxton tomorrow and second-placed Tamworth welcome Peterborough Sports.

Other fixtures: Alfreton v Boston; Banbury v Warrington; Bishop’s Stortford v Darlington; Curzon Ashton v Chorley; Gloucester v Farsley Celtic; King’s Lynn v Southport; Scarborough v Brackley; South Shields v Rushall Olympic; Spennymoor v Hereford.