ALTRINCHAM have confirmed that they are ready to tackle Chester in the National League North play-offs.

The Blues are expected to make a decision on their play-off intentions this week, with the Robins lying in wait should all six teams agree to participate.

Altrincham would entertain Chester over the weekend of July 18/19 should the play-offs go ahead as scheduled, something the Robins are expecting.

A message from Altrincham co-chairman Bill Waterson updated his club’s official website after the 12 play-off hopefuls in National League North and South met on Friday afternoon.

Waterson said: “The Altrincham FC board met this afternoon to start the planning process The club is raring to go and aiming to reach the promotion final, and then win it to reach the National League for the 2020/21 campaign.

“We have to go through a formal process of testing and risk assessment and sign-off ahead of commencing training and preparing for a match, for which there are three stages: socially distanced training; proper training and match day preparation.

“The working assumption is that all six National League North teams will take part in the play-offs, although it is possible that could change.”

Gateshead also confirmed that they are willing to take part in the play-offs, meaning they will visit Brackley Town in an eliminator should Kevin Wilkin’s men participate.

A statement on Gateshead’s website confirmed: “The club will be looking to resume training as soon as possible with the intention of competing in the National League North play-offs. With a fixture against Brackley Town expected to take place on either July 18 or 19.

“Although the cost is significant and 100 per cent borne by all the Non-League clubs participating, Gateshead Football Club are committed to finishing the season following the outcome of the resolution, which saw the majority of member clubs vote in favour of the play-offs.

“By making this commitment, we are maintaining the integrity of the competition and ensuring that four clubs will be rightly promoted into the National League.

“We must stress that this decision will not put the club in any immediate financial danger or adversely affect the agreed 20/21 budget despite not receiving any financial assistance from footballs governing bodies.”

Either Chester or Altrincham will head to York city on the weekend of July 25/26 in the play-off semi-finals as Boston United face Brackley or Gateshead, with the showpiece event taking place a week later.

Teams can use players under contract at March 31, 2020.

Chester’s play-off cause could be aided by the Boost the Budget scheme, which has raised over £57,000 in a week.

The Blues players have donated to the scheme with experienced defender Kevin Roberts telling the club’s website: “The lads started talking about the whole Boost the Budget pledges in our player WhatsApp group in the week.

“We all saw how much the fans had put in the budget in just a few days – it was remarkable. It showed us that everyone is wanting to help out. I’d suggested to the lads that we should do our bit as well – we are all in it together and no one hesitated. Everyone agreed straightaway.

“It is not just for the club and first team – but the youth team is so important to Chester Football Club as well. As a club we always pride ourselves on producing players for the first team.”