Craig Hobson will put friendship to one side on Saturday because he wants to make some FA Cup headlines.
Hobson lives a short drive away from Edgeley Park and knows Stockport County boss Alan Lord well, from his time as a student at Myerscough College and his 12-month spell with the Hatters.
But the 26-year-old plans to send his former club crashing out and secure the Blues a place in the first round proper.
Hobson said: “I’ve never really done anything in the FA Cup to be honest and it would be great to have a good run.
“It’s the best competition, bar the Premier League, and if you win a few games then you can get a big team in the third round.
“I knew Alan before I went to Stockport and he and Jim Gannon took me there from Stalybridge.
“I enjoyed my time there and I know other lads have had different experiences but I still speak to a few people.
“I live about 20 minutes down the road and I’ve got a few friends and family going so I’m looking forward to it.”
Hobson will be one of three former Hatters in the Blues squad on Saturday (3pm) with Kieran Charnock and Sean McConville having points to prove.
Stockport were relegated from the Football League after 106 years in 2011 and the clubs have not met since 2008.
Hobson said: “It’s a shame what’s happened to them over the years.
“It’s down to off the field stuff really but that filters down to the pitch, it shouldn’t but it does.
“It’s probably the biggest tie of the round with both teams being ex-Football League and there should be a big crowd.”
Hobson said confidence was high in the squad after a run of five victories in eight games, the latest the last-gasp 2-1 win over Alfreton Town on Saturday.
“Training has been gone really well this week and the lads were all buzzing from the weekend,” said Hobson, who has scored four times in 15 games this season.
“It wasn’t ideal to score so late but I thought hands down we deserved the three points.”
Chester will have to do without Matty Hughes after Fleetwood Town manager Graham Alexander decided he did not want the 22-year-old cup-tied.
Jamie Menagh, who impressed off the bench last weekend, or Jadan Hall are in line to replace him.
