JON WORSNOP has warned Chester’s National League North play-off rivals to write the Blues off at their peril.

The Blues are priced at 10/1 - only Gateshead are longer odds at 20/1 - to win the play-offs and secure a return to the National League.

On paper, Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men have arguably the most difficult course to the final, heading to Altrincham for an eliminator on Sunday, which will now kick-off at 1.30pm, with the winners visiting York City in the last four on Saturday week.

But Worsnop isn’t fazed by the challenge that lies ahead for a Chester squad who have foregone their wages to take part in the end of season lottery.

“It’s the toughest of runs,” said Worsnop, back at the Blues in a player/goalkeeper coach role. “It’s a big ask for us to go and win it, but I will back us all the way.

“There’s no point turning up if you don’t believe you can win and our squad will be ready.”

Worsnop has overcome the odds with the Blues before. The experienced goalkeeper was the club’s number one when they reached the second round of the FA Cup in the 2014/15 season.

Chester, then in the National League, beat Stockport County 4-2 to secure a trip to League Two Southend, who were stunned 2-1 on home soil.

The Blues, bossed by Steve Burr, then took League One outfit Barnsley, including now Premier League midfielder Conor Hourihane, to a replay after a goalless draw at Oakwell.

Barnsley eventually got the better of the Blues, winning the replay 3-0, but Worsnop remembers the cup run fondly, the 37-year-old framing the shirt and protective mask he needed to wear after suffering a double fracture of his cheekbone, breaking three teeth and losing another during the draw in Yorkshire.

“It’s knockout competition and Chester have proved in the past that cup runs are possible,” continued Worsnop. “Anything can happen in knockout football and we will be looking to leave our mark.”

Worsnop, who played for Grantham last season, and Louis Gray, on loan at the Blues from Carlisle, who have since released the former Wrexham youngster, are set to be available for Chester’s play-off campaign.

The Blues were left without a senior goalkeeper after Russ Griffiths signed for Telford, but Johnson and Morley can now plan to have Worsnop and Gray available for Sunday’s clash.

“I want to give Jonno and Bernard a headache,” said Worsnop regarding the battle for the number one shirt. “I’m here to improve Louis, push him and keep him on his toes. He’s got tons of ability and will go on to progress if he does the right things.”

Chester’s trip to Altrincham has been brought forward to 1.30pm due to the entire National League North play-off schedule being streamed. National League chief executive Michael Tattersall said: “This pioneering streaming service will create an opportunity for exposure of the competition on a global stage.”