PAUL Linwood feels Chester’s squad is looking strong for the forthcoming season, despite being stunned by two late goals at Telford on Tuesday, writes ALEX REA.

The Blues were 2-0 up and cruising at the New Bucks Head, but the hosts bagged two goals in the final five minutes to secure a draw from the friendly encounter.

However, Chester’s overall pre-season form has been solid and Linwood was encouraged by draws against full-time opposition in the shape of Bolton and Crewe.

Defensively the team has been looking watertight – apart from those final few minutes at Telford – and Linwood also believes the forward line will play a significant role this season.

The former Tranmere, Grimsby and Fleetwood centre-back said: “It can take strikers a little longer to find their feet during pre-season but as soon as they start firing they will be the ones who will be winning us games.

“We’ve been happy with how our pre-season has gone so far and it’s just about getting our fitness back and staying free of injury.

“We’re looking forward to the new season and it’s always exciting starting in a new division, especially one as tough as the Conference Premier, so we can’t wait to test ourselves.”

After a goalless first-half on Tuesday, the Blues came out fighting in the second period and after just two minutes Jamie Reed latched on to the end of Jason Jarrett’s effort to knock it past Telford keeper Ryan Young.

Chester piled on the pressure and soon doubled their lead through Craig Lindfield, when he reacted quickest in the box following a save from the Bucks keeper to make it 2-0.

Andy Owens and Mike Phenix grabbed two late goals to salvage a draw but overall Chester will be happy to have avoided defeat, having lost just once so far this summer to Mansfield.

There is a real buzz around the Deva Stadium this year and Linwood, 29, is hoping the side can hit the ground running when the league season kicks off a week on Saturday.

“When you get three promotions the place is going to be really lively and there is a lot of optimism amongst the fans going into this season,” Linwood added.

“They know were not going to run away with it this year and its going to be a lot tougher, but we’ll be confident going into most games.

“For now this is a suitable level for the club, but the structure in place means we are a League club.

“We’ve got a good fanbase a lot bigger than most of the teams in this division, so this clubs needs to stabilise and then it can go as far as it wants really.

“We’ve got a tough few months coming up but if we can produce the right results then hopefully we’ll be in a good place come Christmas.”

Chester FC: Danby, Kay, Horan, Linwood, McIntyre, Harrison, Heath, Jarrett, Mills, Seddon, Lindfield. Subs: M Williams, Fearon, A Williams, Mahon, Menagh, Reed, Pugh.

Attendance: 556.