CHESTER'S play-off push has sunk without trace - but George Waring believes a strong finish to the campaign can be the catalyst for a National League North promotion challenge next season.

A 2-2 home draw with York City left the Blues in 10th place, six points adrift of AFC Telford, who occupy the final play-off spot, with just three games remaining.

Chester visit Ashton United and Alfreton either side of a home clash with promotion hopefuls Brackley between now and the end of the campaign, and striker Waring is eager to finish with a flourish.

"We didn't get the win, but hopefully the second-half performance can give us some momentum to finish the season strongly and give us hope for next season," said Waring after the draw with York.

"The managers have just said 'go and enjoy the last few games'.

"Unfortunately there is nothing to play for so we've got to make the most of it.

"If we pick up nine points then there will be a feelgood factor around the club and people will see hope for next season, which will stand us in good stead."

After Chester failed to gatecrash the play-offs, Waring is also aware that he and his team-mates are playing for their futures.

Joint-bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have suggested that a major overhaul is needed to turn the Blues from also rans to promotion contenders.

Waring continued: "I think everyone should be thinking about their futures.

"The club will want to go up next year, that will be the mentality, and there are certain things we need to do better as a group and everyone has to step up to that standard or they won't be here any more."

Asked whether he would be keen on staying at the Swansway Stadium, the 24-year-old added: "Absolutely. I want to see us going in the right direction."

Waring did his chances of being offered a new deal no harm by scoring Chester's second goal against York with an "instinctive" finish.

On his performance, the former Tranmere man said: "I was glad to get the start.

"I felt like I had to fight for a lot of balls in the first-half, but in the second-half we passed the ball around a bit more and I came into the game.

"I was satisfied, but I'd like to have got us the winner."

"We didn't play enough football in the first-half and in the second-half we passed the ball around and we were a better team for it.

We were against the wind in the first-half, which might be an excuse, but the second-half was better and it the benchmark for what should be expected.

We wanted to win the game and try and put on a performance for the fans because Tuesday was tough.

I think the dressing room was hurting just like the fans were, no-one wanted Tuesday to go like it did."