Chester FC make the trek north this evening for a clash with one of the National League new boys, Barrow (7.45pm).

The Blues, buoyed by their stunning 3-2 derby success over Wrexham on Saturday, go into the game full of confidence for the Holker Street clash but will face a stern test in the shape of the Bluebirds, managed by ex-Chester City defender Darren Edmondson.

We spoke to Barrow correspondent Steve Shaw from the North-West Evening Mail who gave us the low-down on what to expect this evening.

How have Barrow fared so far this season?

It has been an up and down campaign filled with a lot of hard-luck stories. Against Kidderminster Harriers (a 1-1 draw on September 26) we missed two second half penalties. But we have been scoring goals and we are playing better than our results might suggest.

After winning Conference North last season what are the fans' expectations this campaign?

Because of our owner (Dallas-based English businessman Paul Casson) people think that we have the resources like Forest Green Rovers have, but that's not the case.

I think that fans are realistic with their expectations this season and, realistically, I think a mid-table finish would probably be a decent result. The owners have ambitions to be in the 'play-off conversation' at some point. It might be a bit of a stretch this season, though.

Barrow boss Darren Edmondson
Barrow boss Darren Edmondson

Who are the danger-men for the Bluebirds?

Striker Andy Cook scored 23 goals in Conference North last season and has started well this season, scoring eight times already. He is the biggest threat going forward, definitely.

At the back we have Danny Livesey. He's one of those 'dogs of war' type centre backs. He had a long spell up in Cumbria when playing for Carlisle United and is a leader at the back.

There is also winger Dan Pilkington, brother of Cardiff City's Anthony Pilkington. On his day he has the ability to be a match winner and cause real problems. But he is injury prone and that has hampered his progress.

Chester fans will no doubt be familiar with full-back Neil Ashton (who played for the Blues in 2009/10). He is very much your archetypal non-league full-back. He is a solid six or seven out of 10 each week and is a steady performer in the back four, very reliable.