CHESTER boss Anthony Johnson believes a tough-looking fixture sequence will offer a true measure of his side’s progress this season.

Currently second in the National League North standings, the Blues return to action at fellow high-fliers King’s Lynn Town on Saturday.

Fresh from a two-week fixture break, the clash heralds the start of a testing month for Chester who will face three of the current top-six in that period.

“Coming back into a run of games like this should give us a real idea of where we’re at this season,” said joint-manager Johnson.

“We’ve had a decent start but going to King's Lynn, and then away trips to the likes of Blyth and Brackley in between playing York is tough.

“But this is the type of test we need. We need to show our quality against the best sides in this league and see where we stand.”

With no competitive fixture played since their 3-3 home draw with Leamington on September 28, the Chester players have since been put through higher intensity training sessions.

They face a King’s Lynn side who boast an impeccable home record and are unbeaten at The Walks since September 1, 2018.

Linnets boss Ian Culverhouse, who was among the candidates interviewed for the Wrexham managerial vacancy, has overseen seven victories from 12 league fixtures to date.

Though his side are winless in their last three league games, they recorded a 2-0 victory at Leek Town last weekend in the FA Cup.

The Blues squad will travel to Norfolk after today’s training session, with Johnson hopeful that an overnight stay will optimise his side’s chances.

“We’re really happy with the players’ fitness levels after the sessions we’ve put them through, which have been as intense as they were in pre-season,” he added.

“There will be no let-up now after the break we’ve had and we’ll be in better shape now with some of the lads coming back from injury.

“King’s Lynn’s home record is phenomenal. They’ve taken a lot of teams to the cleaners there, not just when they were in the league below but since being promoted too.

“They’re a quality footballing side who play a possession-based game to hurt teams. But we’re going there to impose ourselves on the game and not worry too much about their qualities.

“Part of their success at home is down to the amount of travelling away teams have to do to get there.

“So not making that four-and-a-half-hour coach journey on matchday will hopefully mean we’re fresher and sharper for a tough game.”

Experienced duo Kevin Roberts and Danny Livesey have recovered from their respective injuries and should return for the Blues.

Full-back Jamie Morgan is also in contention after serving a three-match ban, though Scott Burton remains a doubt with a rib injury.

Top scorer Adam Marriott, who has 11 goals already this term, should spearhead the King’s Lynn attack while forward Ryan Jarvis and defender Ryan Fryatt could both return after missing the victory at Leek through injury.

Leaders York City will preserve top spot with a win at Telford United while in-form Hereford chase a fourth successive league victory at Bradford Park Avenue.

Basement side Blyth Spartans head to Curzon Ashton, who are in the midst of a six-game losing streak.

Other National League North fixtures: Darlington v Boston Utd; Gateshead v Gloucester City; Guiseley v Altrincham; Kettering Town v Spennymoor Town; Leamington v Alfreton Town; Southport v Brackley Town.