JOE CLARKE wants Leamington to boost their prospects of avoiding relegation by beating Chester at The Deva Stadium tomorrow.

The Brakes are currently 17th in National League North, just six points above the drop zone with nine games remaining.

Chester, whose play-off hopes have been dented following a poor run of form, are next up for Leamington and Clarke needs no introducing to the Blues having played for arch rivals Wrexham between 2011 and 2015.

"I think it is the first time I have gone back to Chester since my Wrexham days," said Clarke, who joined Leamington in the summer of 2017 and had spells with Kidderminster, Brackley and Tamworth after leaving The Racecourse.

"I have played them at home a couple of times but it will be good to go up against them again.

"The Chester fans probably won't remember me but if I do get any boos, I will take it on the chin.

"Chester have had a mixed season as well but it is always good to play them.

"There is still a little bit of rivalry on my side and hopefully we can get a win there."

Leamington still have work to do to ensure they are playing sixth tier football next season but Clarke is confident of reaching safety.

"It's a good club, a nice local club with a good bunch of lads, and I am still enjoying my football which is the main thing," said the 30-year-old.

"We had a good start to the season, we have dipped a little bit but hopefully we stay up.

"I think we will be alright, we have got some good players."

Clarke helped Wrexham win the FA Trophy final in 2012-13 and reach the play-off final the same season, the Reds losing 2-0 to Newport County at Wembley.

He is be playing one division lower these days but Clarke says the standard is high.

"It is a very competitive league," added Clarke.

"There are some big teams in the division which is great for me, the likes of York and Stockport.

"The standard is good and it is a tough division."