Chester FC won't be taking struggling Guiseley for granted this afternoon (3pm).

That's the message from Blues boss Jon McCarthy as he looks to mastermind a third straight win for his in-form side and keep them in touch with the play-off chasing teams.

Guiseley sit third from bottom in the Vanarama National League but have vastly improved in recent weeks under the stewardship of manager Adam Lockwood, hauling themselves off the foot of the table courtesy of wins against the likes of Boreham Wood and Torquay United.

The Lions are unbeaten in two and come into the clash at Nethermoor on the back of a 1-1 draw at York City in midweek, and McCarthy knows that his side will have to be on their game if they are to come away from Yorkshire with the spoils.

“They're improved and I like the way they go about things," said the Blues boss.

"Their management have been able to bring in a lot of good players, they've had some backing, they've been able to revamp their squad, and they've had some decent results, and the last time we played them, which wasn't that long ago, there's only five of those players involved against York on Tuesday, so it's a completely different Guiseley and at home it will be a tough test.

Kane Richards is mobbed after putting Chester in front against Guiseley in September

"They will get my full respect and my full attention in terms of preparation for the game. It will be a difficult game. But I've said that a lot of times this season and this group of players find a way to get results."

Chester beat Guiseley 2-0 in September thanks to a Kane Richards effort and a Tom Shaw penalty at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.

When Chester visited Nethermoor last season under former manager Steve Burr, both players were on the scoresheet, as was Ross Hannah, as a crazy final 15 minutes saw five goals and the game end 3-3 back in March.

And McCarthy is hoping that the high workrate that has provided the cornerstone of Chester's good form will be on display once more.

He added: "We'll go there and I'll back them whatever. This group of players will always give everything. You do not go on this run of games without having total commitment, workrate, attitude."