IT will be like an old boy’s reunion at The Deva Stadium tomorrow when Paul Carden and Darren Moss rock up with the Nantwich Town team.

Carden was the captain who led The Blues to the Conference title back in 2003 while Moss (pictured below) was a fans’ favourite for his all-action style under Kevin Ratcliffe and Ian Atkins.

They return to Chester looking to cause another cup upset after knocking out another National League North outfit, Banbury United, in the last round.

“It would be great to go on a cup run,” said Wrexham-born Moss, who made his debut as a 17-year-old and left to team up with Ratcliffe at Shrewsbury after the Blues lost their Football League status in 2000.

“But it will be good to go back there. I’ve been back since I left the club but more in a scouting capacity.

“It should be a good game and there should be a decent crowd with us being just down the road.”

Chester boss Calum McIntyre’s side have endured a tough start to the National League North season and he hopes his side can get it right tomorrow.

“We’ve got an FA Cup game to look forward to... then another home fixture in the league and we need to find a way to improve on the road,” said McIntyre.

“I think the task for the staff and the players to engage in that as well is to really work out why.”

Moss, now 42, is head coach with The Dabbers after teaming up with Carden again.

“I spoke to Cards in the summer and he said he wanted me to come,” added Moss, who did have a spell as caretaker player-boss at Nantwich 10 years ago.

“Paul has recruited well. We like to get the ball down and play and we’ll be heading to Chester with nothing to fear.”

Former Connah’s Quay Nomads striker Byron Harrison will lead the line for the Northern Premier Division One West side but Callum Saunders - son of former Wrexham boss and Wales international Dean - has been ruled out through injury.

Also in The Dabbers’ ranks are on-loan Wrexham defender Scott Butler and ex-Academy youngster Kai Evans, son of Lex XI boss Ricky.

“Kai’s a real character who I’ve taken under my wing a bit,” added Moss, who watched Evans, released by Wrexham last summer, score twice in Saturday’s 2-1 FA Trophy win over Dunston.

“He’s got real talent while Scott has been brilliant for us this season. He really should be playing in the National League.”

As well as running his own one-to-one coaching school, Moss had been scouting for Rochdale and one of his other former clubs, Crewe, when ex-Wrexham and Chester defender Dave Artell was at the helm.

“I’ve done some scouting and I’m also doing some commentary work for Radio Shropshire, covering Shrewsbury games - and it’s something I’ve really enjoyed,” said Moss. “But coaching is what I want to do and hopefully we can do well at Nantwich this season.”

Moss’ time at Chester best sums up football’s fluctuating fortunes.

He made his League Two debut at now-Premier League Brentford 25 years ago, played for Chester against Manchester City in a 4-1 third round FA Cup defeat in 1999, although his best memory in the famous old competition came at The Gay Meadow in 2003.

Shrewsbury, managed by Everton legend Ratcliffe, sunk The Toffees 2-1 with Moss joined by ex-Chester players, Ryan Lowe, Alex Smith, Sam Aiston and Artell. Those last three players also turned out for Wrexham as did another Shrews’ hero that day, Jamie Tolley.

Another Chester legend, former boss Neil Young, who led the reformed Blues up the non-league pyramid in the early Chester FC glory years, is also planning a famous cup scalp.

Marine, who made it to the third round two years ago playing Tottenham at home in Covid times, head to Hyde United after knocking Spennymoor out in a 2-1 replay win last week.

Macclesfield, where Wrexham-born Robbie Savage is director of football, host Warrington Rylands while Merthyr Town provide the other Welsh interest. They host Sheppy United.

Other ties to look out for: Alfreton v Emley; Blyth v Worksop; Braintree v Brackley; Coalville v Tamworth; Curzon Ashton v Chorley; Darlington v Scarborough; Hereford v Cambridge City; Leek v South Shields; Peterborough Sports v Needham Market; Rushall v Boston Utd.